[heatherlea]

Hello everyone.  I am new to sheep and have a very small flock of 4 southdown ewes.  They share a field with 6 larger sheep.  One of the southdowns has had persistent scouring for nearly two years - throughout all seasons and grass growth phases - she is well otherwise and acts normally, but is very vulnerable to strike.  The vet has frequently checked for parasites and she has had blood tests to look for any usual suspects, but all appears normal.  I would be grateful for any suggestions.  Could she need a supplement or should I bring her off grass altogether for a while (with a friend)?  Any suggestions gratefully received.

[twizzel]

2 years??    Could she have gut damage from cocci as a lamb?

[shep53]

SHEEP ARE INDIVIDUALS  and some always have loose faeces  , no matter what you do

[farmers wife]

It would depend of the quality of the stock - if you know they come from prime breeding or raised as pet lambs?


Even on bloods I assume youve had full colbalt/copper/selenium test?  Even so these can come back borderline.  I would consider trying mineral buckets before going down bolus routes being careful on the copper element.


Sadly poor thriving stock usually carry dirty backends and can be from damage to the guts (prev worm damage).  Commercial farmers ditch all problem ewes because of the risks.


You can get forage testing usually FOC and do some soil testing by professional to see if there is something going on in the pastures.

[Marches Farmer]

If she's otherwise well and in good condition and your vet hasn't found any indications of an underlying cause then you'll either have to cull her or live with it.  Just keep her crutched all year and make sure you keep a close eye on the dates when her pour-on needs replenishing.  Very humid weather can lead to fly eggs hatching so quickly the inhibitor doesn't have time to work, as we found out recently.