Author Topic: weaning and mastitis (Read 2417 times)

shrekfeet · « **on:** June 21, 2010, 02:20:03 pm »

Hi folks - what's the general opinion on the age to wean non-intensive lambs?
Also do I need to do anything with the ewes other than seperate them? With cows we always used to put antibiotic in the teat to stop them getting mastitis.
Thanks

Fleecewife · « **Reply #1 on:** June 21, 2010, 02:29:47 pm »

We avoid any problem by letting the ewes do most of the weaning themselves. Our lambs are born in April, we take out any uncastrated males at 4 months, then finally separate the rest in September, by which time the ewes are winding down their lactation. This leaves two months for the ewes to get back into condition before tupping time comes round again in November. Obviously we watch the ewes for signs of problems but have never had any.

Anke · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2010, 10:23:45 pm »

I put the ewes into a small paddock (with very little grass) and feed hay only for a few days.

Hellybee · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2010, 10:19:16 am »

yeah we been advised to get the ewes onto thriftier grazing to help them dry up before they go back on good grazing like Anke says to flush them and keep moving them to get them right for tupping