The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: princesslayer on March 21, 2015, 08:22:35 am

Title: How many placentae?
Post by: princesslayer on March 21, 2015, 08:22:35 am

So, is there a placenta per lamb? The placenta come out all together, don't they? Are they joined?

Just wondering if my sheep that delivered a single has another lamb and placenta still inside!!

Title: Re: How many placentae?
Post by: Crbecky10 on March 21, 2015, 07:44:13 pm

No only one placenta..should all come away a little while after the lambs have been born. If you push your hand  against her stomach just in front of her bag you would feel the bones of another lamb if there is one there. If the afterbirth has come away there won't be another lamb in there.  :)

Title: Re: How many placentae?
Post by: princesslayer on March 21, 2015, 09:26:55 pm

Thanks, just illogical worse-case worrying. She's fine, lamb is great, running around the garden with her less than 24hrs old!

Title: Re: How many placentae?
Post by: kelly58 on March 22, 2015, 07:56:54 pm

How long can it take for her to loose the afterbirth ? Been told up to 12 hours is this right ?

Title: Re: How many placentae?
Post by: Crbecky10 on March 22, 2015, 08:11:07 pm

Quote from: kelly58 on March 22, 2015, 07:56:54 pm

How long can it take for her to loose the afterbirth ? Been told up to 12 hours is this right ?

It usually happens quite quickly, sometimes shortages of minerals/trace elements can cause them to 'hold the cleaning' for a while, and it can go a bit nasty, but usually clears up with antibiotics etc.