Got batch of 100 lambs in pens to weigh and noticed 5 had swollen ears and couple of those going scabby and look like they're gonna peel off. All 5 are 3/4 Texel, 80 batch are Mule and they're fine. Been weaned a fortnight and had access to brassicas for last 7 days. Is it a mineral deficiency or caused by the brassicas.
-
Welcome to The Farming Forum!
As part of this update, we have made a change to the login and registration process. If you are experiences any problems, please email [email protected] with the details so we can resolve any issues.
Lambs with scabby swolen ears
- Thread starter johnb5555
- Start date
- Location
- Summer set
Might be selinium defiency
Or cobalt
Its photosensitisation caused by the brassicas (or it is in my case- similar situation) locally called "ting", vet prescribed steroids plus strep pen as the steroids can weaken the immune system. Lambs improved overnight.
Had about 10% of 350 affected, hasn't reoccurred once cured.
Had about 10% of 350 affected, hasn't reoccurred once cured.
- Location
- Montgomeryshire
Have half a dozen too, in similar circumstances. One was particularly badly effected, with his head swollen like a football, so much so that his eyelids where swollen so much that he was blind. 3ml of Metacam (no ab's as not infected) sorted him overnight. The others couldn't be caught easily, so been keeping an eye on them to see if they worsen. They have more or less cleared up already (3 days on).
I have had the odd one every couple of years on grass too, so what causes it?
Found this list on a US site, wont ask what some of them are, that could be causes. Also this link, bit heavy, but type 2 sounds most likely.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/int...itization/overview_of_photosensitization.html
Hungerford lists the following plants as "causing" photosensitization. Alsike clover, burr medic, broom corn millet, caltrop or yellow vine, crowfoot, hairy panic, heliotrope, japanese millet (only sometimes), kale, lantana, lucerne, lupin, paddy melon, panic grass, panicum sanguinale, rape, rye grass pasture, St John's wort, subterranean clover, summer grass, trefoils, yellow vine. I have also read authorities recommending against using kikuyu in pasture, because of its association with photosensitization.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/int...itization/overview_of_photosensitization.html
Hungerford lists the following plants as "causing" photosensitization. Alsike clover, burr medic, broom corn millet, caltrop or yellow vine, crowfoot, hairy panic, heliotrope, japanese millet (only sometimes), kale, lantana, lucerne, lupin, paddy melon, panic grass, panicum sanguinale, rape, rye grass pasture, St John's wort, subterranean clover, summer grass, trefoils, yellow vine. I have also read authorities recommending against using kikuyu in pasture, because of its association with photosensitization.