Stemming lambing losses

1 February 2011

Stemming lambing losses: recording + colostrum management

Lamb losses from scanning to sale continues at an average 15% to 20% in the national flock. ADAS sheep consultant, Kate Phillips advises farmers to introduce systems containing a three point plan to help identify where and when the mortality occurs and goes onto encourage farmers to set a target from scanning to sale at below 15% in an attempt to arrest these losses once and for all.

1, Scrutinise scanning results carefully; if barren rate is above 2% then investigate why. Ewes are barren for many reasons including infectious abortion, poor nutrition and other underlying health problems. Finding the cause will help to reduce empty ewes in future years. Blood sampling a number of barren ewes soon after scanning can highlight infectious abortion and nutritional deficiencies. A vaccination programme or targeted supplementation can then be implemented for next season. If scanning results are generally lower than expected for the breed of ewe then a similar approach should be taken. The poor weather in November and December 2010 may well have taken its toll on scanning performance of many flocks with the snow coming at just the wrong time for ewes in early/mid pregnancy.   

2, Try to record all lambs born, both alive and dead, to build up a picture of where lamb losses are occurring. Also record the number of ewes that abort or do not lamb, or die between scanning and lambing and include these lamb losses in the list. Prolapse can be a significant cause of lamb loss but the reasons why this occurs are poorly understood. Overfeeding appears to be a strong contributory factor.

3, Try to record the causes of lamb death. On some farms this can be a depressing task but if the causes can be identified then action can be taken to avoid these losses in the future. If a large number are lost to watery mouth this could indicate that ewe nutrition needs to be improved - particularly protein supply, and that colostrum supplies are inadequate. Alternatively, if too many ewes need assistance at lambing then this points to over or under feeding. Providing the ewe with a well balanced diet in the correct amounts to suit expected litter size and body condition is the most important part of pre-lambing management. Good energy and protein supply lead to high yields of high quality colostrum, vigorous lambs of good birth weight and a much increased chance of survival. 

Volac’s young animal specialist, Dr Jessica Cooke comments: “Remember colostrum is the fuel for life; it’s the key to reducing losses from both hypothermia and disease. Colostrum contains protective antibodies that can only be absorbed through the gut wall during the first 24 hours of life. However, absorption of the antibodies diminishes rapidly within six hours of birth as the gut starts to close down to these antibodies – so colostrum must be fed as soon as possible. Remember the 3Q rule of colostrum management:

Quality is affected by

• Ewe condition – body condition score 3 at tupping and vaccinated against infectious abortion and clostridial diseases
• Ewe parity – the number of previous lambings
• Ewe health - healthy, well-nourished ewesare able to develop a healthy placenta which reaches its optimum size around day 90 of pregnancy whenthe placenta releases hormones that stimulate the lactating cells in the udder and colostrum starts developing three to five weeks before lambing

Quantity

• 50ml/kg liveweight per feed – daily intake required is higher than you think

·        Minimum 210ml/kg bodyweight within the first 24 hours. Lambs born outdoors should be fed 15% to 20% more during the first day

Quickly
·         Within the first six hours of life
·         Small frequent feeds during the first 24 hours

“Mothers’ colostrum is usually preferable, however, when it is unavailable or in short supply, then alternatives must be fed quickly. Use a colostrum alternative which offers a consistent high quality, such as Volac’s Lamb Volostrum” says Dr Cooke.

Kate Philips adds: “Continue to record all lamb losses and their causes, through the grazing season so that a clear picture emerges on the key areas to focus on for next year. Parasite control is often a problem through the spring and summer months and prompt action, faecal egg counting and appropriate use of the correct wormers /treatments will all help to limit losses. 

“Finally, consult your vet or adviser to review your flock health plan and implement the necessary improvements to limit losses. An active health plan reviewed each year that employs the latest veterinary medicines and treatment regimes will help to improve profitability of any sheep enterprise.”

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