Last month I wrote about Blue Tongue Virus but it seems with many lambs having hit the ground already this year, it has been a different midge-borne virus that has afflicted many flocks; Schmallenberg Virus(SBV). SBV causes abortion and stillbirths with foetal abnormalities in sheep, cattle and goats. We classically see bent limbs and fixed joints, a twisted neck or spine, a short lower jaw and a domed head. They are commonly born alive and require euthanasia when born. We seem to have come through the worst in lambs but my fear is we will begin to see cases in calves over the next month or so. APHA are currently funding testing for the virus if you have a suspicious case. It would be good to build evidence of cases; there is a licenced vaccine for SBV but it is not in production at the moment due to lack of demand.
One of the biggest concerns in the lambing shed is control of Watery Mouth and Joint Ill. Historically, Spectam has been used as a control in many flocks; with the increased understanding and importance of Antibiotic resistance, we have come to realise that blanket treatment of new-born lambs with antibiotics is unacceptable. Spectam has now ceased production, so it is certainly time to look at the many factors that contribute to a high risk of contracting these infections.
Hygiene is absolutely crucial; it is no word of a lie that cleanliness is next to godliness. There is no substitute for copious amounts of clean dry bedding. I accept in a busy lambing shed it is often impracticable to fork out individual pens between couples but if you are not doing this then a disinfectant should be applied before bedding up; personally, I find hydrated lime powder works well but there are other similar brands on the market e.g. Stalosan. Colostrum is probably the most valuable thing that you possess. It is no wonder that there are numerous companies trying hard to imitate the real thing, unfortunately none of them come near to the real thing. If you are struggling for colostrum then it is worth reviewing the diet/body condition of the ewes and/or culling ewes with bad udders. Cow’s colostrum can be used and you could consider vaccinating some cows with Heptavac pre-calving to boost the quality. A rule of thumb is 10% of lamb bodyweight of good quality colostrum in the first 24 hours with more than half in the first 6 hours. There is some evidence that various supplements that are sold to be given to new-born lambs can interfere and impede colostrum intake. If you want to use these potions then they should be given after the lamb is 24hrs old. There is little doubt that a protracted lambing period has a huge effect on the environmental challenge and so it is sensible to lamb over a short space of time, even if you have a break where you can clean out between batches. The causes of a protracted lambing are enough for a newsletter on their own! But make sure it isn’t just your management decision!
I see the Bull sales have begun in the North, so that means it is time to start thinking about your Bulls. We offer a Bull Testing Service which we charge at our normal hourly rate. We test a lot of bulls where it is too late as cows have lost time already so please consider testing them in advance of the breeding season. Give us a call if you would like more information.
We are running a practical lambing course on Wednesday 7th February at 11am at the Wrington Surgery. This will cover important husbandry procedures and information as well as the practical aspect of assisted lambings. The course is charged at £25 + VAT, please call to book a place.
We also have a Milksure course on the 28th February at 11.00. Please call to book.
Please save the date of Friday 14th June for our 20th Birthday Celebrations from 6.30pm. Invites will follow shortly.