Tight ewes

[Nithsdale]

Just lambed one a few minutes ago bought a bought ewe had twin lamb when she arrived. Had 2/3 doses of the red top until she came around. How she’s not spat the lambs out I have no idea.

Possibly it's all a myth...


Maybe waiting for calcium to 'work' just gives the ewes the time nature needs for her to open up naturally?





I've no opinion one way or other on the subject. I've jumped in and worked ewes to open them up, I've also left ewes and gave them time... Some come fine and lamb, others still need worked.

I don't know what any answer is, it'd be great if there was something definitive

 

[Northern territory]

Possibly it's all a myth...


Maybe waiting for calcium to 'work' just gives the ewes the time nature needs for her to open up naturally?





I've no opinion one way or other on the subject. I've jumped in and worked ewes to open them up, I've also left ewes and gave them time... Some come fine and lamb, others still need worked.

I don't know what any answer is, it'd be great if there was something definitive

A bit of luck as well I guess. We’ve had to shoot them before now.

 

[BELOWAVERAGE]

If ever you have a cow on calving with a touch of milk fever, and try and draw the calf her muscles clamp on, where as after she's had some calcium they work normally to push the calf out, so the calcium theory probably has some thing in it.

 

[Northern territory]

Having quite a few big lambs with one leg back, ones like this I dread as risk of choking. What are others opinion.

 

[livestock 1]

Having quite a few big lambs with one leg back, ones like this I dread as risk of choking. What are others opinion.

Anything except a Texel ewe

 

[Northern territory]

Anything except a Texel ewe

It usually is a texel cross. Just had one with a Suffolk lamb. Think lambs are starting to get to big.

 

[Highland Mule]

Having quite a few big lambs with one leg back, ones like this I dread as risk of choking. What are others opinion.

Keep those for Mrs HM - she has skills and narrow hands. Usually she can find the second leg and get it sorted.

This year, it’s been breach births for me, including “I’ve got two back legs but they’re not from the same lamb”. That took a bit of sorting out.

 

[Agrivator]

Having quite a few big lambs with one leg back, ones like this I dread as risk of choking. What are others opinion.

If the head and one front leg are out, and there is no sign of the second leg, a good very strong pull usually works - I would guess in about 90% of cases.

If that doesn't work:

1. Get the ewe to stand up, and pull again.

If that doesn't work:

Lie the ewe back down and get someone to feel for the ewe's pelvis from the outside of its groin. They should be able to detect the lamb's shoulder blade, which will move when you exert a pull. The trick is to punch/press down on the shoulder blade, at exactly the right time, to help it come through the pelvis.

Someone might be able to add one or two tips in addition to that.

 

[livestock 1]

It usually is a texel cross. Just had one with a Suffolk lamb. Think lambs are starting to get to big.

I got rid of a lot of my Texel cross ewes. Often they had one which was often stuck. I still have some but not as many by far.

 

[Northern territory]

I got rid of a lot of my Texel cross ewes. Often they had one which was often stuck. I still have some but not as many by far.

I know. We have tended to keep our own replacements for quite a few years now and have moved more towards texel but think it is time to have a rethink. Got one Suffolk tup who does breed some decent gimmers.

 

[Poorbuthappy]

If the head and one front leg are out, and there is no sign of the second leg, a good very strong pull usually works - I would guess in about 90% of cases.

If that doesn't work:

1. Get the ewe to stand up, and pull again.

If that doesn't work:

Lie the ewe back down and get someone to feel for the ewe's pelvis from the outside of its groin. They should be able to detect the lamb's shoulder blade, which will move when you exert a pull. The trick is to punch/press down on the shoulder blade, at exactly the right time, to help it come through the pelvis.

Someone might be able to add one or two tips in addition to that.

Can also turn the lamb as you pull, turning the leg you have downward, and the shoulder of the leg that's back up towards her tail.
Rolling the ewe can have a similar effect.

 

[Man_in_black]

We've been using planipart for 1st time this year. Can't say notice much of a difference

 

[AftonShepherd]

Blue top Claciject is gone...


But you can still get Red top. (it's twice the strength, so use half as much... it is also Calcium only - has no Glucose like Blue top)

I got 2 bottles of blue top about a fortnight ago from the Ayrshire branch of your vets.

 

[Nithsdale]

I got 2 bottles of blue top about a fortnight ago from the Ayrshire branch of your vets.

Aye, but when it's gone that's it. Norbrook are the only makers of blue top calciject and they are, or have, discontinued production