The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Emily!!!125 on November 21, 2023, 09:05:09 pm

Title: Pre Lambing Udder
Post by: Emily!!!125 on November 21, 2023, 09:05:09 pm
Do sheeps teats move their positioning the closer they get to lambing? Do they move to a more outward pointing position? I am sure I read this somewhere but can't find it. I have a ewe who has been bagged up for almost 30 days and just today her teats have moved to pointing more outwardly.
Title: Re: Pre Lambing Udder
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 21, 2023, 10:53:39 pm
Yup, it's called "springing".  It's more pronounced in cattle but happens in sheep too.  The udder becomes more turgid closer to lambing, and the teats ping out more - like blowing up a rubber glove! 

Springing indicates calving or lambing becoming more imminent, probably within 24-48 hours.  A lack of springing does not necessarily mean nothing doing yet ;).