21

Sheep / Topping up lambs

« Last post by Richmond on May 25, 2024, 08:23:20 am »

So, the ewe who gave birth to twins Monday seems to only be feeding them from one side. They try the other side but then turn away as if they are not getting anything. So they are competing for one teat. Not gaining much weight but still have energy to bounce about. So must be getting just enough to get by. The ewe lets them try and suckle from the side that doesn't appear to be producing milk so it's (to my mind) not uncomfortable for her, but I shall still call the vet on Tuesday (I have forgotten it's a bank holiday). Going to try and catch her later and see if it's just a blocked teat but I do realise it could be the start of mastitis. The ewe in herself appears well and has a good appetite. I am also going to buy some Lamlac this morning and try and top up the lambs in the field.
Any other suggestions?

22

Coffee Lounge / Lans in West Lothian and surrounds

« Last post by Protea on May 24, 2024, 09:39:16 am »

Hi everyone we are urgently searching for a place to rent, ideally in the West Lothian or the surrounding areas. Our situation is quite pressing, as we have rescued animals that depend on us. We currently have two static caravans and only two goats as livestock. We need a temporary place to stay while we work on securing a mortgage. Unfortunately, we can't stay where we are now, and we're feeling quite stuck. If anyone has a farm, land, any recommendations, or know anyone it would mean the world to us. Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Greg

23

Marketplace / Re: Land to rent West Lothian and surrounding

« Last post by Protea on May 24, 2024, 09:35:33 am »

Hi,

Thank you, I'll try the coffee lounge as well. Didn't think about a poster but thanks that's that's a good idea as well, much appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

24

Marketplace / Re: Land to rent West Lothian and surrounding

« Last post by cans on May 24, 2024, 07:46:57 am »

Good morning Protea,

To get wider coverage of your situation you could post in the "Coffee lounge" as it is a matter of urgency

Have you tried a poster in local livestock markets, farm supply shops?

I hope you find a solution soon 

25

Sheep / Re: Keeping a ewe that had mastitis separate - how long?

« Last post by JFW67 on May 23, 2024, 07:40:13 pm »

Thank you Sally.

I have seen this observation a good number of times in my ‘researching’ mastitis these last few weeks.  She won’t be culled but I think retirement is the outcome.

Thanks again

26

Crofting / Re: DIY haylage

« Last post by SallyintNorth on May 23, 2024, 02:20:42 pm »

Broadly, if the grass is thoroughly dry, ie., hay or pretty nearly, when you bag it, then it's haylage.  If it's wetter, or it's not grass, then it's silage.  There are also chemicals you can add to help the fermentation, if you use these then it's silage not hayage.

27

Sheep / Re: Keeping a ewe that had mastitis separate - how long?

« Last post by SallyintNorth on May 23, 2024, 02:18:32 pm »

Plus, my experience is that, once a ewe has had mastitis, even if her udder does come back to looking and feeling normal, it is likely to not be as productive in future, which means hungry lambs, which in itself can cause mastitis (through their interminable grinding on at an empty udder), which is then highly likely to spread (as the hungry lambs pinch milk off other ewes...), and/or you end up with a dead lamb, or a lamb you have to rear on a bottle or foster....  So, even though you can get ewes who recover fully, in practise it is, in my opinion and that of many sheep farmers, best for the flock to cull - or retire - any ewes who've had mastitis once they've reared their current lambs. 

28

Marketplace / Land to rent West Lothian and surrounding

« Last post by Protea on May 23, 2024, 06:14:10 am »

Hi everyone we are urgently searching for a place to rent, ideally in the West Lothian or the surrounding areas. Our situation is quite pressing, as we have rescued animals that depend on us. We currently have two static caravans and only two goats as livestock. We need a temporary place to stay while we work on securing a mortgage. Unfortunately, we can't stay where we are now, and we're feeling quite stuck. If anyone has a farm, land, any recommendations, or know anyone it would mean the world to us. Thank you so much in advance for your help!

29

Sheep / Re: Keeping a ewe that had mastitis separate - how long?

« Last post by JFW67 on May 22, 2024, 02:17:45 pm »

Thanks for the clarrification.   

30

Sheep / Re: Keeping a ewe that had mastitis separate - how long?

« Last post by twizzel on May 22, 2024, 01:03:47 pm »

Thanks for the reply Sally and Twizzel.

Her udder still feels a bit odd but no sign of any discharge for weeks.

Twizzel - Why sill she be a potential risk in the future?  Is this because she will be more prone to mastitis or residual bacteria from the bought?

Thanks again.

The side(s) of the udder that had mastitis will never feel right again, she’s likely got damage to the tissue inside the udder and possibly some residual, walled off infection (especially if the udder is lumpy) that will probably cause mastitis again next lactation, which isn’t nice for her and poses a big risk to the rest of your flock. Generally with mastitis the aim is to save the ewe, rather than the udder.