F A R M S K I L L S
Preparation and managing
pregnant ewes
Pre-lambing problems are often caused or
triggered by stress. During late pregnancy,
avoid unnecessary transportation, excessive
handling and disturbance, sudden changes in
diet and exposure to severe weather.
Keeping watch
Pre lambing
diseases to look out for
During the three weeks before the first lamb
is expected, carefully observe each ewe in
the flock (preferably twice a day) and be
prepared to take prompt action for:
l
Vaginal Prolapse
l
Pregnancy Toxaemia (twin lamb disease)
l
Hypocalcaemia (tremblings)
l
Abortion
Ewe nutrition
Good nutrition is essential in the last 4-6
weeks of pregnancy as lambs double in
size during the last month, udder development
occurs in the last fortnight, colostrum is
produced and brown fat is laid down in
the lamb.
Feed should be calculated according to
condition score, litter size, forage quality and
weather. Poor nutrition can lead to conditions
such as twin lamb disease, hypocalcaemia,
mastitis in ewes as well as hypothermia, watery
mouth (rattle belly) joint/navel-ill, pneumonia
and scour in lambs so it is essential to get the
feed right to avoid these problems.
It is worth bearing in mind that a ewe can
only consume 2-2.5% of her bodyweight in dry
matter (DM), therefore all the requirements for
this period of intense growth must be contained
in this volume. For an 80Kg ewe, this equates
to 1.6-2.0kg DM. This is complicated by a
10% reduction in dry matter intake (DMI)
during the final two weeks of pregnancy. The
ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) at lambing
is 3.0-3.5 for lowland breeds and 2.5-3.0 for
hill breeds. If ewes are in poorer condition,
then supplementary feeding needs to start
earlier. If in good condition, then some energy
deficits can be overcome by relying on the
ewe’s own reserves.
Assuming all other factors listed before are
correct, the make-up of the diet becomes the
most important factor. The majority of farms
will use a combination of grazing, forage
(hay or silage) and commercial concentrates.
By knowing the forage analysis, the analysis
of the concentrate and calculated DMI of the
ewe, the energy content of the ration can be
determined. By comparing this with the known
requirements, the energy excess or deficiency
can be seen and any corrections made. Your
vet may have a nutritional spreadsheet to help
with these calculations, if required. This
method can be applied to homemade diets
and to a TMR.
The only accurate way to assess the diet is
to test the ewes to find out how they are
responding through blood samples. This is
best done approximately 3-6 weeks before
lambing, ideally with a minimum of ten ewes.
Preparing your shed
It is important to have your lambing facilities
ready in good time. Occasionally ewes may
lamb in the week before the expected date of
the first lamb, so all lambing requirements
should be ready and in position at least a
week, if not two, before the expected date of
the first lamb. Check your staff availability and
decide whether the lambing is to take place
outside (in which case shelter will need to be
provided) or inside. Ideally, choose an area
where pens can be moved on to fresh ground
at weekly intervals, or less if necessary, to
avoid concentration of disease. Where
possible, avoid the area used in the previous
lambing season.
Ideally ewes and their lambs should be
housed for up to two days after giving birth
so it is important to ensure that you have
sufficient hurdles or straw bales to make
individual pens to house 12-15% of the total
flock due at any one time. Each pen should
Setting the scene
for a
successful lambing time
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...
19
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
A successful lambing time doesn’t just begin with the birth of the season’s first lamb. Taking the
time to prepare and plan thoroughly for this hectic period can pay dividends for profits and stress
levels for the year ahead.
Early pregnancy (0-30 days)
Ewes will be very sensitive to stress during
this time when fertilisation followed by
implantation is taking place. Successful
embryo growth is dependent on hormones.
Mid-pregnancy (30-90 days)
This is when placental growth occurs.
Target Body Condition Score at this point
is 2.5 - look out for scab/lice, lameness
and liver fluke.
Late pregnancy (90-145 days)
Remember to keep a careful watch for
lameness or foot problems. Many farmers
are naturally concerned about turning over
pregnant ewes; however, the recent
advances in lameness suggest that it may
be more appropriate to treat any lame
sheep with antibiotics prescribed by the
vet. This will be of minimal interference
and has no ill-effect on growing lambs.
Now is also the time to vaccinate ewes
against clostridial and pasturella diseases
(4-6 weeks pre-lambing) as these diseases
often result in sudden death.
