The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Lilljoho on December 30, 2013, 06:56:05 pm
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Hi
My ewes are condition scoring 3-4. I am worried that this is too fat to lamb.
Good knows how their fat as there field is pretty bare. I have however allowed them access to haylage and they have a high energy lick. The girls are about 12weeks off lambing.
Do I need to slim them down and if so how without compromising the lambs growth?
The vet is coming on thursday to scan and I will quiz him but would like to know what you all thought. My worry is twin lamb disease later on.
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well they won't need a high-energy lick I would have thought...
any that scan for singles will probably do fine with just haylage in the last six weeks (what breed are they and are any first-timers/ewe lambs).
I would take advice from the vet for any twins though.
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I would say that CS 3 is pretty much too fat for any sheep. I'd take the bucket away - its not too late, most of the lambs growth is in the last trimester.
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So is the issue that the lambs will get over sized? Or is it because a fat ewe is more likely to struggle delivering on her own as she has extra fat on her organs?
Sorry to jump onto your thread!
I have one ewe who just looks at food and puts weight on. Shes only on hay and that is all. What do you lot suggest I do as she is the only fat one!
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So is the issue that the lambs will get over sized? Or is it because a fat ewe is more likely to struggle delivering on her own as she has extra fat on her organs?
Sorry to jump onto your thread!
I have one ewe who just looks at food and puts weight on. Shes only on hay and that is all. What do you lot suggest I do as she is the only fat one!
Fat ewes will have more problems at lambing inc. twin lamb disease/prolapse
Over feeding can also lead to large lambs
I would rather have a ewe a bit thin than a bit fat at lambing, once they have lambed and start getting that spring flush of grass they will quickly recover any condition
Have you scanned them? She may be barren---in which case= bang!
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What breed? I've had a Down ewe at CS 4.5 lamb twins with no problem at all (and yes, I did try to slim her down!). I've also had Lleyns in perfect condition prolapse to the point where they needed emergency Caesarians. If she's carrying triplets or more she'll mobilise her fat store during the last few weeks of pregnancy, if you don't give her any additional feed (although I'd still recommend a mineral lick to keep up her selenium levels, etc. to ensure a good milk supply). There's still plenty of grass around here but it seems to be about 99% water so of dubious quality!
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How old are the ewes? Young ewes are less likely to have toxaemia than older gals. I'd be wary of making dramatic changes in the last 4 weeks as you'll most likely give them toxaemia if you do. Toxaemia is when the ewe can't access her stored energy reserves and develops hypoglycemia. Being fat brings a risk of vaginal prolapse.
Perhaps it would be helpful to get your vet to confirm your condition score conclusions before making any dramatic dietary changes.
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Hi everyone thanks for the replies.
The girls are southdowns and the oldest would be 4 and its is a couple of these that are the fattest the shearlings aren't so bad.
The vet is coming tomorrow anyway to scan so will quiz him on what to do.
I wondered if they would be ok on just a mineral lick and their haylage, but had heard that using their fat reserves would have the risk of toxaemia but obviously worried about giving them hard feed later on if still carrying extra condition.
Once vet has been I will update you on his advice :-)
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So is the issue that the lambs will get over sized? Or is it because a fat ewe is more likely to struggle delivering on her own as she has extra fat on her organs?
Sorry to jump onto your thread!
I have one ewe who just looks at food and puts weight on. Shes only on hay and that is all. What do you lot suggest I do as she is the only fat one!
Fat ewes will have more problems at lambing inc. twin lamb disease/prolapse
Over feeding can also lead to large lambs
I would rather have a ewe a bit thin than a bit fat at lambing, once they have lambed and start getting that spring flush of grass they will quickly recover any condition
Have you scanned them? She may be barren---in which case= bang!
No we are scanning in a few weeks so I would cull if she was barren! Is hay going to be little enough or shall she be on restricted hay?
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No we are scanning in a few weeks so I would cull if she was barren! Is hay going to be little enough or shall she be on restricted hay?
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Don't know---it will depend on many things including the hay quality/size of ewe/when they are due/how many lambs they are carrying/weather to mention a few
I would give them ad lib hay but make them work for it. Put it in a rack so they have to pull at it to eat rather than just leave it on the floor. If they are outside on pasture it's likely they are still getting some grass (it is growing slowly in places)
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Panic over, thank god!
Vet said I was a little generous on my condition scoring and they were probably more of a 2.5-3 so I wasn't to worry too much.
Also all are in lamb so to feed a little as usual but with constant scoring to check their utilising feed not putting weight on.
very exciting times a head!