ABSTRACT
A new system for the detection and treatment of hypothermia in newborn lambs was evaluated on 30 commercial farms. This system comprised the detection of hypothermia with the aid of an electronic thermometer, the reversal of hypoglycaemia in lambs aged more than five hours by an intraperitoneal injection of glucose solution, warming in air at 40 degrees C and careful management after warming. Of all lambs treated, 69 per cent were alive one week later. The majority of lambs which were treated and lived were subsequently reared on ewes. Treatment was more successful in lambs aged less than five hours (76 per cent) than in older lambs (64 per cent). Higher success rates were recorded when the hypothermia was detected in the temperature range of 37.0 to 39.0 degrees C (83 per cent) than when it was only detected at a temperature of less than 37.0 degrees C (65 per cent). Twins and triplet lambs were more susceptible to hypothermia than singles.
Subject(s)
Hypothermia/veterinary , Sheep Diseases/therapy , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Hypothermia/diagnosis , Hypothermia/therapy , Sheep , Sheep Diseases/diagnosisABSTRACT
Good management of lowland sheep depends on strategic uses of resources during the management cycle and manipulation of body reserves. Critical periods are around mating, late pregnancy and early lactation. Good condition at mating is achieved by expanding the grazing area apportioned to the ewes in autumn. Thereafter, ewes are restricted to allow the resting of pasture for spring growth. A feeding plan for late pregnancy is given which takes account of body condition score and expected lambing date. The recommended concentrate ration contains a proportion of undegradable protein which is fed until grass growth can support lactation. Nutrition in later lactation is not limiting provided fertiliser nitrogen is applied regularly at a level related to stocking rate. By integration with other enterprises (cattle and crops), efficient use of resources is achieved.
