Introduction
Ruminant Animals are animals with a
complex stomach unlike the non-ruminants that have simple stomach. They are
animals having four compartment stomach namely: rumen reticulum and abomasums.
They eat and digest forages or plant based feed by swallowing it first and
allowing it to get moistened in the rumem which is the first compartment of the complex stomach. The swallowed food is
later regurgitated by the animal and re-chewed to break down the plant
materials for digestion. This process is called rumination of chewing the cud.
Examples of ruminant animals are cattle.
Sheep goats camel water buffalo giraffes antelopes to mention but a few.
However we shall limit our discussion in this study to cattle sheep and goats
that are commonly found in our environment.
Ruminant animals are categorized
into two main classes based on their body size namely. The large ruminant animals
and small ruminant animals. Examples of large ruminants are cattle water
buffalo giraffe camel etc while small ruminants are sheep goat antelope etc.
ruminants have an advantage of the ability to eat and utilize law quality fibrous food
that cannot be eaten by human non-ruminants.
ORIGIN AND
DOMESTICATION OF SHEEP
Sheep
was first domesticated in the new stone age. Evidence for the domestication of
sheep dates to 9000 BC in lraq. DNA analysis has shown that domestic sheep are
descended from two ancestor species one of which is the moufflon. The moufflons
comprise ovis musion and Ovis orientalis. Although the second ancestor has not
been identified both the urial and argali have been rules out. The urial (O. vignei) is found from northeastern
run to northwestern india. It has
ahigher number of chromosomes (58) than domestic sheep (54) which makes
it an unlikely ancestor of the latter but it interbreeds with the moufflon. The
arguli sheep (O. ammon) of inner Asia (Tibet, Himalayas. Itay mountains
tien-sha and pamir) has 56 chromosomes and the Siberian snow sheep (Ovis nivcold) has 52 chromosomes. This soay ram demonstrates
the wide variance in sheep traits that
belts the prototypical appearance of te animal. Historical records show that
sheep provided primitive pastoral people with meat wool tallow skin and milk.
Sheep
Terminologies
Sheep: the entire ovine species
Lambing: the act of giving birth to
lambs in sheep
Lamb: sexually immature sheep of any ex
Ewe: female sheep after
reaching sexual maturity or after producing an offspring.
Flock: a group of sheep kept
together
Mutton: meat from mature sheep
used as food
Flecece: another word for wool from
sheep. It is used for clothing
Ram: adult male sheep
Docking: cutting of lamb’s tail keep
the animal clean
Shearing: process of clipping wool from
sheep
Tupping: act of mating
Bleating: sound produced
Advantages of
sheep production
As compared to other classes of
livestock. Sheep possesses the following natural advantages.
1.
Sheep
help control weeds.
2.
Sheep
production does not require elaborate facilities and equipment.
3.
They
are particularly good in the utilization of more arid type of grazing
4.
They
are good at utilizing wasteland and are also excellent scavengers.
5.
Sheep
consume roughage as their primary feed.
6.
Compared
to cattle, they produce more liberally in proportion to what consume
7.
Some
breeds, e.g. the wool type produce two products-wool and lamb available for
market at two different periods of the yea.
8.
Their
returns come quickly; lambs may be marketed 8 months after the ewes are bred.
9.
Sheep
droppings are particularly less subjected to wastes because of the way they are
dropped and tramped into the soil.
10.
Their
young ones, if properly fed, may be marketed when about a year old.
11.
Their
energy requirements are lower than those for other livestock enterprises. Also
the energy requirements for fibre production by sheep are lower than those for
synthetic fibres.
12.
Sheep
are highly adaptable an non competitive with humans for feed.
13.
Sheep
are easy to handle and generally require little input.
14.
They
reduce risks of losses to owners by being cheaper to replace.
15.
Subsistence
farmers keeping sheep need very small amounts of purchased animal feed because
their stock can manage on very poor quality roughage if required.
16.
With
a 20% death rate a farmer with five sheep or goats will still have four
animals. Whereas a farmer with one buffalo or cow is likely to be left with
nothing
17.
Sheep
milk is the most nutritious milk on sale in the world today. Because of its
high calcium content, sheep milk is also very good for the prevention of
osteoporosis and for those people already suffering from it.
18.
Sheep
milk is an excellent raw material for the milk processing industry especially
in cheese production.
19.
Sheep
with their small body size high productive capacity and rapid growth rates are ideally
suited to production by resource-poor stallholders.
Disadvantages of
sheep production
1.
Sheep
are subject to attack by predators including dogs
2.
They
are less resistant to discases or injuries
3.
Sheep
are susceptible to a number of parasites e.g worms
4.
For
the wool breeds, in the international market have always been politicized and
moreover synthetic fibres is stiff
competition with the wool
5.
Sheep
require better fencing than do cattle.
Factors to
consider when starting sheep raising
In starting any livestock
enterprise. Certain factors such as land breed of stock and infra-structural
facilities and their cost need be adequately considered.
1.
Land: Under
extensive grazing conditions, land requirement is 1.6-4.0ha per 100 sheep.
However under intensive management a well established pasture of 1 ha would
support 26-40 sheep.
2.
Breed: advisable to
use breeds adaptable to the ecological zones where the enterprise is to be set
e.g for this zone use the west African dward or the yankasa.
3.
Infrastructure: An office
accommodation for a large enterprise adequate fencing because of their size
require chain link fencing or close fencing. Chain links are at present very
costly, so wood posts plus wire but designed to be close will be adequate.
4.
The foundation
stock: foundation
stock for starting sheep rearing enterprise should be purchased from reputable
sheep breeding farms or government farms. This would ensure purity high genetic
quality and freedom from disease. Unfortunately however, the numbers of
available breeding farms are limited. The open market therefore becomes the
place of choice for the purchase of breeding stock. In purchasing animals from
the open market attention must be given to the animals health age and physical
appearance.
5.
Health: All ewes
selected must be in a thrifty vigorous condition. They should have every
appearance of a life of usefulness ahead of them and give every evidence of raising
strong healthy lambs. Such animals should be free of catarrh diarrhea and skin diseases. Also ensure that animals are
free ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas.
6.
Age: It is advisable
to buy sheep 11/2-3 years old. The age of sheep could be determined using their
teeth. The lamb has narrow teeth known as milk teeth. At 12-14 months the 2
center incisors are replaced by two large broad permanent teeth while those 3
years have permanent teeth. At 2-21/2 years they have 4 permanent teeth while
those 3 years have a permanent teeth and at above 4 years, they have 8
permanent teeth.
7.
Physical
appearance:
Animal
with physical defects such as lameness. Blindness and malformed toes should be avoided lean and
stunted animals should be avoided. Purchased animals should be fine looking
active have bright eyes ad fine (rather than seruffy and rough) coats. It is
advisable to buy in small batches from as many gentic variability as possible.
Initial health precaution: it is good husbandry practice to quarantine newly
purchased animals for I month before introduction to the herd.
Breeds of sheep
in Nigeria
A breed is a collection on
individual within a species which share a certain number of morphological and
physiological characters which are passed into their progeny as long as they
breed among themselves. There are many breeds of sheep but these are generally subclassed
as wool class. Hair class meat class and dairy class variety breeds.
Dual-purpose breeds are bred for both wool and meat.
The Nigerian breeds are mainly the
hairy type and there are four breeds: the west African dwarf: yankasa. Uda and
Balami however, other breeds which are of less importance exist which include
the Bororo and the Ara-Ara found in Niger and Anambra states.
Balami
This breed of sheep has also been
called the Bororo various times because it is associated with the people of
Borno tribe. Balami is the features. It is big predominantly white with a
convex facial profits. Ears large and droopy the fail is thin and long. Males have horns
while horns are absent in females. Matured males have dewlap Balami is a fast
growing animal with a good potential for milk production. (About 3-5kg) for
singles 2.5-3.5kg for twins). Weaning weight of 18kg is possible at 12 weeks of
age. Yearling weight is 35-45kg for ewe and 45-60kg for rams. Its ability to
survive under arid conditions is a
character peculiar to this breed and can be exploited in the utilization of non
arable lands.
Uda (Ouda)
Also called the Fulani or Bali-Bali.
This breed is found throughout the sahel and savanna zones of tropical Africa.
The cost colour is black or brown in front and white behind. They are large in
size with matured males measuring up to 84cm height at withers. The breed is
long legged thin and long tailed with a moderately long. Floppy ears males
carrying horn which could be large emerging sideways and slightly backwards
with a Taoist mature rams weight 55kg while females weigh 45kg. this breed
thrives best in hot dry environment it is particularly adapted to extensive
grazing and is known for its trekking ability. Uda its suffers poor survival
outside domain medium size breed.
Yankasa
This is perhaps the most numerous
and widely distributed Nigerian breed of sheep. Yankasa is found throughout the
sahel. Sudan and guinea savanna zones. It is intermediate between large long legged uda and Balami and
short legged west Africa dwarf. The breed has a typical white cost colour with
black patches around the eyes ears and muzzle and sometimes the feet. Ewes may
have pass around the neck. Males have which is curved. Matured rams weigh 30-
45kg and ewes 25-30kg.
West African
Dwaft sheep.
Also called fouta Djallon. Djallonke
this breed is found in the whole area of the forest betl. The breed strives
well in its area of occurrence which is known to be infected with testes fly hence the assertion that is the breed is
trypo-tolerant matured female have tassels while matured males have spiral or crescent
shaped horns and a heavy mane. The breed has a slow growth rate maturity and
cessation of growth is between 18 24 months. The breed is highly prolific and
incidence of twining is high (55-58%) matured females weigh 20-25kg and matured
males weigh 20m-30kg.
The Bororo
The Bororo is a large-long legged
breed of sheep said to have originated f from chad. It has white posterior and
pendulous white ears. Mature weight is between 45 and 55kg.
The Ara-Ara
The Ara-ara also known as Tuareg
has its origin from Nigeria and is predommantly white or fawn. The rams of the
sheep breeds have horns but polled strains could be existing as had been found
with the west African Dwarf sheep.
Experience has shown that the
different breeds of sheep are adapted and perform best in their specific ecological
zones. Because of the variations in the amount of rainfall. Temperature and
relative humidity all of which indirectly affect performance farers are advised
to raise those breeds that predominate in their ecological zones. Thus while
the Yankasa and Uda are suitable for the Guinea and Sudan zone. The west
African Dwarf and Yankasa breeds should be raised in the humid forest and
Derived savanna zones.
Procuring
foundation stock for breeding
Ideally foundation breeding stock
should be purchased from reputable sheep breeding farms or government livestock
investigation and Breeding Centres LIBC so as to be certain of their purity
high genetic quality and freedom from diseases. Unfortunately such sources are
too few at present and where they exist, the number of breeding animal
available for sale is limited. This leaves the open market as the main sources
of breeder stock for farmers.
In purchasing animals from the
market major consideration must be given to the animals health age and physical
appearance. The behavior and posture of an animal are reflections of its health
status. Age can be determined from the number and size of teeth. Therefore the
farmer is advised to:
1.
Buy
animals that are from obvious diseases such catarrh. Diarrhea and skin
diseases. Also ensure that animals are free of ectoparasites such as fleas and
ticks on their bodies.
2.
Avoid
animals with physical defects such as lameness. Walk the animal around to find
out blindness and malformations.
3.
A
lean or stunted animal should be avoided. Buy only alert, fine looking and
active animals with bright eyes and fine coat.
4.
Ewes
(female sheep) should be between 1.5 and 3 years of age.
5.
A
-1.5 to 2 year-old sheep has two broad (big) central teeth, a-2 to 2.5 year-old
has 4. While those aged about 3 years have 6 big teeth
6.
Buy
in small batches from many markets in different localities so as to have
animals that are as unrelated as possible and to have genetic variety in your
foundation stock.
Management
systems in Nigeria
A
number of sheep management systems have been described in Nigeria . these
management systems range from free range to tethering in subsistence production
to confinement in semi-intensive and intensive systems.
Extensive or
traditional system
In Nigeria the system of husbandry
is mainly traditional with individuals keeping 2 to 4 animals on which
investment is minimal but potential returns are still high. These systems of
husbandry are characterized by trekking and exposure to high ambient
temperatures. Animals lose body weight while moving. The traditional system of
management is characterized by high incidence of diseases and parasitism,
together with the adverse effects of tropical climate. Other characteristics include
losses to stealing motor accidents poisoning by crop farmers and conflicts
between livestock owners and crop farmers losses to predators and indiscriminate
mating.
Semi-intensive
system
The semi-intensive management system
is intermediate between the intensive and the traditional management system.
The system involves grazing of the animals on any available herbage during the
day and housing them during the night. On the other hand the sheep is still fed
in the morning and in the evening. Animals were observed for disease problem
and veterinary care was provided.
Intensive system
The intensive system would
involve complete confinement of the animals either in pastures or in pens where
feed and water are provided. Here crop residues such as rice straw and bran
cassava peels brewers dry grain are provided. Improved nutrition could be
achieved through the use of cut and carry grasses legumes or browse
supplemented with salt slicks. Under this situation adequate nutrition is
ensured and the welfare of the animals is constantly monitored with full
veterinary care being provided. The greatest advantages of this system are
effective conversion of crop residues or supplement to products of high
biological value such as milk and meat. There is control of reproduction
improved performance and hygienic conditions collection and use of faecal
materials as farm yard manures reduction in cases of parasitic diseases control
of sheep against auto-knock downs and little or no damage to the environment.
Nutrition
Sheep must be adequately fed for
optimum performance poor nutrition is one of the major factors limiting the
productivity of indigenous ruminants in Nigeria. In order to develop a viable ruminants
industry animals should be fed properly. Though sheep feed mainly on roughage
(grasses legumes brose etc). it is necessary to give them supplements in order
to improve their production. Proper management of the breeding flock improves
productivity and reduces lamb mortality. Essentially feeds contain energy
protein fibre minerals vitamins and water feeding of sheep depends the age of
the animal physiological state of the animal (lactation pregnancy) and the
quantity of the roughage being fed.
Feeding of Adult
Animals
Hay or crop residue should be
provided always in addition 1-2kg. animal/ day of legume hay e.g. groundnut
haulms beans pod cowpea residue. Animals at this stage need feed for
maintenance. It is therefore not necessary to over feed them.
Feeding of
pregnant sheep
In addition to supply of hay a
farmer should feed good quality legume hay at the rate of 1.5-2.5kg/ Animal/day
or concentrate can be fed at a daily rate of 200 -300kg/ animal/day. But higher
levels of feeding can be maintained especially during the last month of pregnancy
when the foctus grows very rapidly and causes an increased demand on the
mother’s food supply Good feeding results in the following.
-
Provides
nourishment for the developing foctus and usually results in a strong kid lamb
at birth.
i.
Good
feeding enhances the development of the udder and ensure adequate milk production
ii.
It
builds up body reserves of flesh on ewe.
iii.
It
prepares the dam for the difficult task of parturition
This
practices of enhanced feeding just before parturition is referred to a steaming
up.
Feeding of
Nursing or Lactating females.
This group of animals can be fed
like pregnant females but the level of feeding should be slightly increased.
This is to ensure that the dam produces enough milk for feeding the offspring.
In addition hay and concentrate supplement should be provided at the rate of
300-500gm/Animals/day. Adequate feeding of lactating ewes increases the
survival rate of the lambs increases the resistance of diseases of the
young-ones and ensure a fast growth rate.
Feeding of
Growers
A supplement of 0.5-1kg legume
hay/Animal/day in addition to free choice feeding of roughage is sufficient for
this class of animals.
Feeding of Breeding
Males
When males are not in service
they should be maintained on good grazing or crop residue ad lib plus 1-2kg legume hay/animal/day. About a month to being
used for service they should be place on good grazing or crop residue plus
300gm of concentrate mixture. This practice of enhanced feeding prior to
breeding is referred to as flushing.
This
has the following advantages.
i.
In
males it increases the quantity and quality of semen produced.
ii.
In
females it increases the number of ova shade.
iii.
Ensures
a greater chance of turning/triplets in the dam.
iv.
Increases
the conception rate.
Care
should be taken to prevent the overfeeding of the male as this will lead
fattening which is not desired in breeding males.
Housing
equipments and other facilities
Housing is important requirement
for intensive sheep production. Housing is essential for overnight shelter and
provides security against predators for the sheep. Also it provides protection
against rain and cold. Some of the importance
of sheep houses are.
Protection from
adverse weather condition
The major function of a sheep house
is to protect the animal from adverse climatic condition such as sunshine rain
wind or cold. For the most part adult sheep are equipped to withstand cold due
to heat produce during the fermentation process but young lambs have not yet
develop this mechanism and should therefore be protected sheep do not like
being drench be heavy rain nor excessive such particularly when the sun is at
its height. These can clearly be seen by the attempts the animals make to seek
shelter from excessive sun or rain.
Better
surveillance
When sheep are kept together in a
house the owner can better observe them. He is therefore in a better position
to notice sick animals and treat appropriately before the disease is spread.
Protection from
predators
By the provision of a house sheep
are protected from predators such as dogs snakes thieves accidents and other
harmful vices.
Easy handling
Handling is easier animals can be
caught and flock management is improved because it allows for certain
management practices such as isolation of rams outside breeding season and weaning
to be carried out. Other management practices such as identification docking
and castration can be done easily.
Feeding of
supplements is easier
This is because animal of the
same age physiological state such as yearlings gestation fattening weaning can
be kept in the same group. This improves performance since each animal receives
supplement meant to meet its particular production requirement.
Provision of housing leads to
overall improvement in the performance of the animals. Sheep housing can vary
from a low mud-wall building with thatched roof to a prick or concrete wall
with corrugated iron sheets roofing. Also corruaged iron walled building could
be used. Such housing should be located on a well-drained soil. It should be
well ventilated to avoid dampness. The floor can be of cement or rammed earth
it should be easy to clean and should be covered with good bedding material
such as straw or wood shavings which can be changed from time to time.
The building may be divided into
pens. Floor space requirements for lambs and adult sheep are about 0.4 and
1.7m2 respectively in addition floor space should be provided for feed and water troughs. There should be more
pens per building or more than one building with separate for males females and
weaner.
A store and a hay could form part of
the building. Alternatively the hay barn could be a separate structure. A run
(enclosure) made of chain link wire waist-high may be construed in front of the
pens. Divided into at least two sections for males and females if housed in
different pens in a single building. Water supply can be from a well tap and
bore hole or river. It should be clean and in sufficient quantity.
Feed and water troughs should be
provided in every pen, either built-in or moveable type. A rectangular feed
trough measuring 4 x 0.3 x 0.15m is adequate for 10 adult sheep. Simple feed
troughs could be made by cutting a drum lengthwise into two halves. If cut
drums used the edges should be made blunt to avoid injuries to the animals.
Large plastic basins are better as water troughs a age unlike metal drums they
do not corrode.
A foot-bath is required for the
prevention and treatment of foot-rot, a very common problem with sheep on wet
grounds. The most common types is the walk-through type which is a shallow long
receptacle. Where a small number of sheep is involved a bucket of basin may be
used.
A dip is an essential structure in a
sheep farm. The walk-in short-swim type is the most common. In this type the
animal enters the vats are best made with concrete.
A vat measuring 6 x 1.2 x 0.75m has
a capacity of about 2000 litres. It is necessary to put a roof over the vat to
prevent rain from diluting the chemical. In small-sized flocks a 200-liter drum
opened at one end can be used. The animals are immersed, one at a time in the
dipping solution contained in the drum for about 30 seconds. A knapsack sprayer
can also used.
Handling sheep
Handling in sheep management
could simply be defined as a way in which the husbandman drag, push or carry
the animal to where they will be fed, administered drug for research purpose
for observation and study of their behavior. Good handling of small ruminant
will prevent the animal from being injured and
guarantee the safety of the handler. If sheep are to be caught and
handled for any reason they should be confined to a small corral or shed
appropriate way to handle sheep are:
1.
Husbandman
or attend and must know how to relate with the animals since animal communicate
in one way or the other e.g. if a ram use its leg to scratch the ground
continuously it simply means it is ready to attack anybody.
2.
Sheep
may best be caught around the neck by the hind leg or by the rear flank. They should be carried by allowing the hind leg to
fold towards the front while using the other hand to hold the remaining leg.
Never should they be caught by the wool.
3.
The
young animal should be carried close to
the chest depending on the age weight and body conformation.
Generally
what matter most is the good relationship with the animals as this will
facilitate good handing.
Breeding
management of sheep
The reproductive activity of
sheep is stimulated by variations in the
length. In northern hemisphere where day length varies with the season of the
year oestrus takes place mostly from July
to October as opposed to the tropics where there is only little
variation in the length of day and the oestrus eycle resources through the yea. Ewes come on hest (oestrus) at regular intervals of about
18-21 days if not bred (Oestrus eycle). The oestrus period (the only period the
female can accept the male) last for about 3 days or 72 hours.
Age at puberty
Sheep attain puberty at 5-6 months
sexual organ of rams already functional at this time. However rams should not be used
before age 11/2 years while ewe lamb could be bred at 9-12 months. It is good
practice to replace breeding rams with newly selected ones after each breeding
season.
Easy handling
Handling is easier animals can be
caught and flock management is improved because it allows for certain
management practices such as isolation of rams outside breeding season and
weaning to be carried out. Other management practices such as identification
docking and castration can be done easily.
Feeding of
supplements is easier
This is because animal of the
same age physiological state such as yearlings gestation fattening weaning can
be kept in the same group. This improves performance since each animal receives
supplement meant to meet its particular production requirement.
Provision of housing leads to
overall improvement in the performance of the animals. Sheep housing can vary
from a low mud-wall building with thatched roof to a prick or concrete wall
with corrugated iron sheets roofing. Also corruaged iron walled building could
be used. Such housing should be located on a well-drained soil. It should be
well ventilated to avoid dampness. The floor can be of cement or rammed earth
it should be easy to clean and should be covered with good bedding material
such as straw or wood shavings which can be changed from time to time.
The building may be divided into
pens. Floor space requirements for lambs and adult sheep are about 0.4 and
1.7m2 respectively in addition floor space should be provided for feed and water troughs. There should be more
pens per building or more than one building with separate for males females and
weaner.
A store and a hay could form part of the
building. Alternatively the hay barn could be a separate structure. A run
(enclosure) made of chain link wire waist-high may be construed in front of the
pens. Divided into at least two sections for males and females if housed in
different pens in a single building. Water supply can be from a well tap and
bore hole or river. It should be clean and in sufficient quantity.
Feed and water troughs should be
provided in every pen, either built-in or moveable type. A rectangular feed
trough measuring 4 x 0.3 x 0.15m is adequate for 10 adult sheep. Simple feed
troughs could be made by cutting a drum lengthwise into two halves. If cut
drums used the edges should be made blunt to avoid injuries to the animals.
Large plastic basins are better as water troughs a age unlike metal drums they
do not corrode.
A foot-bath is required for the
prevention and treatment of foot-rot, a very common problem with sheep on wet
grounds. The most common types is the walk-through type which is a shallow long
receptacle. Where a small number of sheep is involved a bucket of basin may be
used.
A dip is an essential structure in a
sheep farm. The walk-in short-swim type is the most common. In this type the
animal enters the vats are best made with concrete.
A vat measuring 6 x 1.2 x 0.75m has
a capacity of about 2000 litres. It is necessary to put a roof over the vat to
prevent rain from diluting the chemical. In small-sized flocks a 200-liter drum
opened at one end can be used. The animals are immersed, one at a time in the
dipping solution contained in the drum for about 30 seconds. A knapsack sprayer
can also used.
Handling sheep
Handling in sheep management
could simply be defined as a way in which the husbandman drag, push or carry
the animal to where they will be fed, administered drug for research purpose
for observation and study of their behavior. Good handling of small ruminant
will prevent the animal from being injured and
guarantee the safety of the handler. If sheep are to be caught and
handled for any reason they should be confined to a small corral or shed
appropriate way to handle sheep are:
1.
Husbandman
or attend and must know how to relate with the animals since animal communicate
in one way or the other e.g. if a ram use its leg to scratch the ground continuously
it simply means it is ready to attack anybody.
2.
Sheep
may best be caught around the neck by the hind leg or by the rear flank.
They should be carried by allowing the
hind leg to fold towards the front while using the other hand to hold the remaining
leg. Never should they be caught by the wool.
3.
The
young animal should be carried close to
the chest depending on the age weight and body conformation.
Generally
what matter most is the good relationship with the animals as this will
facilitate good handing.
Breeding
management of sheep
The reproductive activity of
sheep is stimulated by variations in the
length. In northern hemisphere where day length varies with the season of the
year oestrus takes place mostly from July
to October as opposed to the tropics where there is only little
variation in the length of day and the oestrus eycle resources through the yea. Ewes come on hest (oestrus) at regular intervals of about
18-21 days if not bred (Oestrus eycle). The oestrus period (the only period the
female can accept the male) last for about 3 days or 72 hours.
Age at puberty
Sheep attain puberty at 5-6 months
sexual organ of rams already functional at
this time. However rams should not be used before age 11/2 years while
ewe lamb could be bred at 9-12 months. It is good practice to replace breeding
rams with newly selected ones after each breeding season. A minimum of 6 rams
should be in a flock of 100 ewes feeding of breeding rams should be improved 6
weeks before the breeding season
Estrous cycle
The estrous cycle in the ewe is
16-17 days with estrous duration being 20-42 hours i.e. approximate 1-2 days
average being 30 hours. Ovulation occurs in the ewe from about 24-30 hours
after the onest of estrous after 16-17 days. There are no visible signs of heat
in the sheep except the acceptance of the ram or teaser with an apron. This is
the only external detection of heat in ewes. In flock mating, rams should be
left in flock for 6-8 weeks to ensure (3 estrous cycles) that all ewes are
bred. After that they are withdrawn. Rams should be joined with ewes 2 weeks
after lambing. The ewes will still be nursing their lambs at this stage but
this does not prevent them from getting pregnant. Batch lambing could be
ensured by synchronization using progrestogne virginal sponges. Ewes lambing
within 2-3 weeks interval would be synchronized. This consists of inserting the
progrestogen in-plants into their vaginal for 12 days. Introduction of rams
to treated flock 2 days before sponge
removal would enhance ovulation. Mating does not begin until sponge removal.
Estrous normally spread over 4 days
following sponge removal. Non-pregnant ewes would return to estrous 16-21 days
following sponge removal. Gestation period in ewes would return to estrous 16-21 days following
sponge removal. Gestation period in ewes is about 5 months i.e. 152 days.
Repeat breeder ewes those weaning poor weight lambs and old ewes above 7 years
should be culled.
Signs of oestrus
-
Uneasiness
-
Frequent
urination
-
Tail
shaking/
-
Swollen
Vulva with a little mucus discharge.
-
Sometimes
the females could be seen mounting other animals themselves
-
Bellowing
Mating methods
There
are two main mating methods in sheep
Natural service
This involves the natural copulation
of the ram to ewe. In Nigeria where most females and males are kept together
there is no restriction to mating, where females are kept separately from males
careful observation particularly in the early morning should be carried out to
notice females on heat so as to breed them.
Artificial
Insemination
This has recently been given more
attention but is rarely practiced in Nigeria because.
-
There
are no enough semen banks
-
Fack
of chemicals large semen preservation e.g. solid nitrogen.
-
Lack
of enough proven males.
-
No
adequate technical known-how.
Management of
breeding ewes
The management of breeding
females is divided to three main phases.
Dry period
(period between weaning to gestation)
This usually last about three
months. The ewe is least productive at this period. It is a time the dam
recovers from the stress of the previous pregnancy and lactation. It is also
a time when the dam prepares for the
nest pregnancy period; ewe should be given a higher plane of nutrition.
Flushing results in a higher lambing percentage. For mating the ratio of ram to
ewes is 1:20-40. Hand service (isolating females on heat and introducing them
to males) can increase the number of females to 50 under intensive management.
Pregnancy
(gestation) period.
This refers to the period between
successful mating to parturition) in sheep. This period is about five months.
Foctal development in the first three months of pregnancy is normally slow
hence to make appreciable increases in feed supply. In the last four to six weeks prior to parturition and
quality of the feed given should be increase. This is done in order to meet the
nutrient requirement of the foctus as well as the dam. This enhanced feeding at
period (just before parturition) is called steaming up. Steaming up ensures the
following.
-
Greater
development of udder tissues and high milk yielding potential for the dam.
-
Law
ewe and lamb mortality
-
Higher
live weight gain in the young thus heavier adult stock.
-
Water
and minerals should be provided ad lib.
Signs of lambing
-
Uneasiness
i.e. restlessness
-
The
animals is constantly standing up. Sitting down and smelling the ground.
Udder
enlargement. There is a significant change in the size of the udder close to
Estrous cycle
The estrous cycle in the ewe is
16-17 days with estrous duration being 20-42 hours i.e. approximate 1-2 days
average being 30 hours. Ovulation occurs in the ewe from about 24-30 hours
after the onset of estrous after 16-17
days. There are no visible signs of heat in the sheep except the acceptance of
the ram or teaser with an apron. This is the only external detection of heat in
ewes. In flock mating rams should be left in flock for 6-8 weeks to ensure (3 estrous cycles) that all
ewes are bred. After that they are withdrawn. Rams should be joined with ewes 2
weeks after lambing. The ewes will still be nursing their lambs at this stage
but this does not prevent them from getting pregnant. Batch lambing could be
ensured by synchronization using progrestogne virginal sponges. Ewes lambing
within 2-3 weeks interval would be synchronized. This consists of inserting the
progrestogen in-plants into their vaginal for 12 days. Introduction of rams
to treated flock 2 days before sponge
removal would enhance ovulation. Mating does not begin until sponge removal.
Estrous normally spread over 4 days
following sponge removal. Non-pregnant ewes would return to estrous 16-21 days
following sponge removal. Gestation period in ewes would
return to estrous 16-21 days following sponge removal. Gestation period in ewes
is about 5 months i.e. 152 days. Repeat breeder ewes those weaning poor weight lambs
and old ewes above 7 years should be culled.
Signs of oestrus
-
Uneasiness
-
Frequent
urination
-
Tail
shaking/
-
Swollen
Vulva with a little mucus discharge.
-
Sometimes
the females could be seen mounting other animals themselves
-
Bellowing
Mating methods
There
are two main mating methods in sheep
Natural service
This involves the natural copulation
of the ram to ewe. In Nigeria where most females and males are kept together
there is no restriction to mating, where females are kept separately from males
careful observation particularly in the early morning should be carried out to
notice females on heat so as to breed them.
Artificial
Insemination
This has recently been given more
attention but is rarely practiced in Nigeria because.
-
There
are no enough semen banks
-
Fack
of chemicals large semen preservation e.g. solid nitrogen.
-
Lack
of enough proven males.
-
No
adequate technical known-how.
Management of
breeding ewes
The management of breeding
females is divided to three main phases.
Dry period
(period between weaning to gestation)
This usually last about three
months. The ewe is least productive at this period. It is a time the dam
recovers from the stress of the previous pregnancy and lactation. It is also a time when the dam prepares for the nest
pregnancy period; ewe should be given a higher plane of nutrition. Flushing results
in a higher lambing percentage. For mating the ratio of ram to ewes is 1:20-40.
Hand service (isolating females on heat and introducing them to males) can
increase the number of females to 50 under intensive management.
Pregnancy
(gestation) period.
This refers to the period between
successful mating to parturition) in sheep. This period is about five months. Foctal
development in the first three months of pregnancy is normally slow hence to
make appreciable increases in feed supply. In the last four to six weeks prior to parturition and quality
of the feed given should be increase. This is done in order to meet the
nutrient requirement of the foctus as well as the dam. This enhanced feeding at
period (just before parturition) is called steaming up. Steaming up ensures the
following.
-
Greater
development of udder tissues and high milk yielding potential for the dam.
-
Law
ewe and lamb mortality
-
Higher
live weight gain in the young thus heavier adult stock.
-
Water
and minerals should be provided ad lib.
Signs of lambing
-
Uneasiness
i.e. restlessness
-
The
animals is constantly standing up. Sitting down and smelling the ground.
Udder
enlargement. There is a significant change in the size of the udder close to the female appears not to show any interest
grazing and lags behind the flock.
The
vulva appears slightly swollen with some mucus discharge.
When
the female is in the process of parturition it should be allowed privacy
assistance should only be given when there are obvious signs of difficulty at
which time a veterinarian should be invited.
Lactation period
Feeding of the lactating is aimed
at increased milk production to meet the need of the offspring. Normally the
feed requirement of a lactating female is greater than during pregnancy.
Management of
lambs
The dam should be allowed to
suckle lamb immediately after birth. This is because at this time dam’s milk
contains colostrums. Colostrums contains antibodies which help to confer
initial immunity to the lamb it also stimulates the alimentary system. Colostrums production
ceases around the third or fourth day after parturition. It is important to
check the teat of the female to ensure that milk is available for the lamb. If
the dam’s milk supply is law the lamb may haw to the had wh
Weaning blow the age of 3 month is not
advisable for tropical sheep and goats. Weaning nibble at solid food such as
leaves. Grasses at 2-3 weeks of age. Where a dam dies immediately after
parturition artificial colostrums should
be provided. Artificial colostrums in made up of:
-
0.6
litre of cow’s milk
-
1
teaspoon cod liver oil
-
1 teaspoon cod liver oil
-
125mg
of broad spectrum antibiotics
Normally
a quarter (1/4) to 1litre of artificial colostrums is given per day for four
days.
Management of Ram
Management of ram is very crucial
to breeding and indeed the entire production of a sheep farm. If poorly cared
for ram attain puberty at a prolonged age. Normally a well managed ram in terms
of adequate feeding watering and health care attain puberty at about 6 months
of age if under intensive management
system. The ram could be older if under the extensive system. Rams must be fed
good nixture of grasses and legumes in addition to which concentrates may be
given at about 300 to 500gm per head per day. The hooves must be adequately
trimmed to prevent overgrowth and foot rot. They must be regularly disinfected
(every quarter) to prevent external parasites. Ram for breeding is kept in a separate pen or paddock usually very close to
the ewe to stimulate sexual desire. At puberty sperm production of the ram is usually
of low quality hence more mature and older rams must be used for mating. There is
the tendency to over-use the ram in an extensive system of production. However,
the acceptable mating ratio of ram to
ewe is between 1:20 and 1:3. Excess rams on the farm not required for mating are often castrated. Castrated
sums are called weather.
Management of buck
The buck is the male goat.. it must
attain the age of about 12 to 18 months of age
before it is used for mating. Even though it reaches puberty earlier
than 12 months it is not advisable to use for mating. Buck should be penned
separately to prevent indiscriminate mating. It must be fed good quality grass
and legumes and given concentrate at about 300 to 50gm of concentrate on daily
basis. A good buck can be used breeding for a period of 4 to 6 years effectively. The mating ratio is
similar to what obtains in sheep. Bucks that
are not being used for mating are usually castrated. Castrated bucks are called
bullocks and fattened for meat.
Management of a
female sheep or ewe
A female sheep is called “ewe” it
comes to puberty at about the age of 6 to 12 months depending on adequate
feeding and healthcare. When nutrition is poor sheep comes to puberty as late
as about 20 months. Attainment of puberty has been shown to be related to the
body weight of the animal and breed. Large breeds have been shown to reach
puberty much later than small breeds. The moment a ewe is selected for breeding
it must be separated and not allowed to run with rams to avoid indiscriminate mating.
Apart from nutrition the reproductive life of sheep is also influenced by
photoperiod or day-length or season particularly in the temperate region. In
the tropics and where there is adequate feeding this effect do not show as
there exist little variation in day length period throughout the year.
Conception rate in ewe can be increased by improving the quality of feed given
to the animal which subsequently encourages ovulation. This process is called
flushing. It may require putting the female animal on a lush green pasture with
quality concentrate a month beore mating. A female sheep comes to oestrus or
heat from 6 months of age and thereafter heat re-occurs at every 15 to 17 days.
Ewe must not be allowed for mating at the first oestrus. Oestrus lasts 20 to 42
hours in sheep. The heat signs are similar to what you have learnt for cattle.
Management Of Pregnant Eve
After mating, the ewe must be
separated from the flock and kept in individual pen or monitored to ensure
safety to prevent abortion. The ram must not be allowed to run with the females
again if on pasture. They must be grazed on separate paddock or the prepuce of the penis tied to the scrotum to prevent
aggressive mating from the males. Ewes must be well fed with good grass-legume mixtures with
minerals as supplements in form of block multinutrients if available.
Concentrates
at about 200 to 600g per day may be given toward the latter part of pregnancy
(6 to 8 weeks) to provide extra nutrients for the developing foetus.
The gestation period of a ewe 140 to
150 days (21 to 22 weeks). On the average the gestation period in sheep is
about 5 months. With this it is possible for an ewe to give birth at least once
a year or thrice in two years. The act of giving birth in sheep is called “lambing”.
Lambing
Lambing is defined act of giving
birth in sheep in sheep. Ewes demonstrate essentially the same characteristics
when giving birth. Towards the end of pregnancy the udder of the animal swells
and becomes larger. The ewe becomes restless bleats and there is a hollow
appearance on the flank region of the loin. Some watery discharge that is
opaque and yellowish is observed from
the vulva and the animal choose a secluded place to give birth. Parturition process is completed within
two hours. The animal could be assisted if in distress or invite a veterinarian
especially if the foetus position is
abnormal. The normal position is when the lamb or kid comes out with head
rested on the fore leg coming out first from the vagina. The dam cleans up the
lamb or kid by licking the mucus from the body and stimulates the lungs to
respire in some cases. The young animal after some time begin to show signs of
hunger and thereafter sucks the dam.
Management of
Growing sheep
After the separation of the breeding
stock. The remaining animals may be categorized either as fatteners or growers.
Fatteners are often given bulk feeding to assist in fast weight gain for
slaughtering. They are usually kept in a
pen or restricted paddocks. The growers are also kept and reared together. In
this case the male must have been castrated and reared for meat.
Management
practices
Sheep are gregarious that is they
prefer to cluster together. The tendency of these animals to cluster together facilities
their management and makes it easy to discover any abnormalities in the flock:
sick animals often withdraw or lag behind. For better performance of sheep the
following management practices should be undertaken.
Castration: Castration can
be defined as the careful removal of the testes in the male animal. Ram lambs
not needed for breeding should be
castrated at one or two months of age.
The purpose of this is to make the animal grow fatty and be more useful and
more economically acceptable. Ram lambs are castrated to stimulate growth and
improve meat quality. Castration should
be performed by an experienced breeder husbandman or a livestock farmer.
Emasculator burdizzo and clastor band are equipment used for castration.
Dehorning or
disbudding: This
is the removal of horn. The essence of this is to give the animal fitness
reduce the incidence of injury allow more animals be kept in a space and to allow the animal to grow. The procedure
involves destroying the area of epidermal growth after one or two days after
birth with caustic paste. Surgical removal involves the use of scoop. This equipment
is used to clip the area after disinfecting. If encaustic paste (sodium hydroxide or NaOH) or
caustic paste is used then the ram lamb should be restricted for half an hour
so that it does not rub the caustic paste off. Fully grown horns can be removed by clipping them
from young animals or by sawing them in mature animals in both cases local anaesthesia
is applied.
Deworming: Deworming is the
process of removing worms from the internal environment of the animals using
chemicals. Some of these worms include flukeworm hookworm roundworms pinworms
tapeworms and so on. Chemicals used for deworming often referred to as dewormer
include thiabendazole banmith phenothiazine febendazole coopane piperazine flukazole.
Deworming can be done through drenching. Deworming should be periodically
(usually four times in a year) to eliminate worm infestation. Good hygiene and
cleanliness should be maintained on the farm in order to prevent worm
infestation. Rotational grazing must also be practiced.
Spraying: instects ticks mites and lice
are all ectoparasites since they live on the outside of the bodies of the
animals. These parasites can cause direct harm like the blood sucking insects
and ticks which may or may not transmit diseases. Biting flies like tabanid can
make the animals restless and prevent them from grazing properly. Mites and
lice causes extreme irritation in sheep and leads to losses of hides and skin
in sheep while common housefly is a carrier of a number of bacterial infections
including anthrax. Tick causes a number
of diseases which are of economic importance in west Africa. These
include red or heart water disease (babesiosis) gale sickness (amplsmosis)
spirochactosis. Ticks may also transmit mechanically the disease known as kirchi
(skin streptothricosis). Spraying should be done to eliminate these pests. This
is done by spraying the animal with insecticidal chemicals or by forcing animal
to pass through a pool of water to which some chemicals have been added. There
is also topical application of this chemical to the back of the animals. This
operation should be carried out fortnightly in the rainy season and monthly in
the dry season. Some of these chemicals include vetox 55 toxaphane bayticool
asuntol lindane. Ivomee an injectable chemical can be used to cure both
ectogparasite and endoparasite at the same time.
Vaccination: Vaccination is
the process of administering vaccines in order to prevent the occurrence of
diseases or protect the animal from contacting serious infectious disease. Diseases
that are contagious and deadly are usually vaccinated against in order to
prevent the outbreak of disease which can wipe out a whole flock or her.
Examples of such diseases are anthrax foot and mouth disease pox tuberculosis
blue tongue clostridia disease rabies rift valley.
Below
are some disease and the age at which they could be vaccinated
Diseases Age to be
vaccinated
Foot
and mouth (a) At 4 weeks old
Disease
(b) then
every 6 months
(c)
when outbreak occurs
(d)
at weaning
Pox
(a) then every 3 years
(b)
then every 3 years
Anthrax
(a) at
weaning
Clostridia
disease (a) lambs born of
vaccinated ewes at 4 months
(b)
every 6 months
Hoof trimming: Hooves should be
worn down to a reasonable level. This is done by using hoof pick or sharp
knife. On softer pastures or in zero grazing system hooves grow too long and
feet can be damaged causing thrush an infection easily detected by its
unpleasant small. Every few months the hooves should be inspected and trimmed
with a sharp knife. A disinfectant should
be applied where infection occurs of if the trimming results in an injury.
Measures for
disease prevention on a farm
Health
is commonly defined as freedom from disease and disease can be defined as any
disturbance of the normal body processes which affects an animal adversely such
an upset can be caused by physical
injuries bacteria viruses parasites fungi or poison or by dietetic errors metabolic disturbance or hereditary
detects. Every effort must be made to support health and so avoid diseases.
Signs of good
health
There
are a number of clinical sings which an animal attendant can look for which can
give an indication of the health status of his herd. A healthy animal is one
whose body process function properly so
that it can live an active life grow steadily reproduce and attain the maximum
level of production of which it is genetically capable.
Attention to
surrounding
A
health animal shows interest in its surroundings. It is always ready to take
flight if worried by anything that
happens.
Good appetites
Healthy
animals have good appetites both on a pasture where it actively looks for its
food and in the house where it quickly consumes the food given to it ruminants
chew the end normally. A first sign if illness is refusal to eat.
Animal
posture and appearance
A
healthy animal carries its head high and is alert. Dejected appearance are
indications that all is not well with an animal.
Absence of
discharge
Health
animals do not have any discharge. The eyes are dry and clear no nasal
discharges or inflamed (swollen) running eyes.
Maintenance of
weight
Healthy
adult animals should maintain their weight and young animals increase their body
weight. Animals showing obvious loss of body weight are probably unwell.
Normal breathing
Breathing
should not be too rapid or erratic and it should be noiseless continuous or
intermittent coughing shows that there is an irritation in the respiratory
tract.
Normal faecal
appearance
Faccal
appearance indicates the state of the digestive tract. Constipation and diarrhea
are signs of digestive disorders. The urine of a healthy animal in pale
straw-coloured liquid with a distinct small.
Fairly constant
body temperature
The
internal body temperatures of healthy animals remain fairly constant at levels
which vary according to species that of sheep goats and cows range between
38.50c- 390c. temperatures may however be raise by execration particularly in
hot weather and by fear but disease is the principal cause of a rise
temperature.
Signs of ill
health
In
contrast to the above mentioned signs of good health. Animals that is sick or
incubating a disease show some general systemic or local signs that must be carefully
observed.
Listlessness
Animal
lags bind the flock and keeps away from the other animals moving little it at
all and with its head down.
Lack of appetite
Animal shows no interest in feed.
High temperature
Any
temperature above 39.50c should be considered an indicative of disease probably infectious disease.
Congestion of mucosa
around the eyes
This
congestion if often accompanied by weeping sometimes it appears pale or white
in the case of anaemia it may be yellowish in colour.
Running nostrils
This
usually occurs with discharge of a purulent blood stained liquid. Nasal
discharge is often accompanied by coughing.
Diarrhea
This
can easily be detected because the animals hindquarters and are dirty with
swollen left flank.
The animals left
flank appears swollen rather than hollow
Appearance of
feet, under, testides and sheath
Appearance
of feet udder testides and sheath may show abnormalities and sheath that are
usually manifested as heat redness and pain on palpation.
General measures
of disease prevention
Methods
of disease prevention will vary according to the particular causal agent and in
some cases he species of animal but there are some few measures which have
general application.
Quarantine
All
newly purchased animals should be isolated and kept separately under
observation for a period of 10days. During this period nay sign of ill health should
be noticed and treated appropriately before the animal is introduce to the
herd. This is important because it prevents the introduction of disease from
outside. While in isolation the animal should be deqormed deticked and given a
broad spectrum antibiotics.
Vaccination
Animals
should be vaccinated against preventable diseases such as at the right time and
age.
Avoid
overcrowding
Animals
should be overcrowded in a pen or house. Overcrowding allows for easy spread of
disease particularly contagious disease such as disease cause by parasites and
fungi.
Separate sick
from healthy animals
One
an animal shows any sign of ill health
be separated from the healthy ones and treated in isolation. This is to prevent
it spreading the disease to others. When the animal is considered fully
recovered it should then be reintroduced. Young animals should be housed
separately adult animals may have infection agents to which they acquired resistance
and do not therefore suffer from the disease but young animals are susceptible and may catch and
develop disease.
Toxic materials
This
should be kept away from animal certain chemical compounds and plants are
poisonous and may cause disorder water. Animals grazing on good pasture tend to
avoid poisonous plants.
Avoid under nutrition
Under
nutrition is a major disease causing error in a farm particularly seen in
animals entirely dependent on grazing bare pasture or those under confinement
but not properly feed. This apart from causing a disease problem of its own
lowers the resistance of the animal to other diseases.
Regular dipping/
spraying
Animals
should be dipped or sprayed regularly against external parasites such as ticks
and flees. This should be done more often during the rainy season. External
parasite causes irritation on the animal and some are agents of disease when
external parasites are left unchecked they have the overall effect of
decreasing productivity.
Regular
deworming
Deworm
animals with broad spectrum anthelminthic once a month during the rainy season
and less frequently during the dry season.
Common diseases
of sheep
Foot and mouth
disease
It is a highly communicable viral
disease which affects animals. It is characterized with high fever vesicles and
blister formation around the mouth teats
udders and the skin between toes and above hoofs. The vesicles later rupture
into uleer. The diseases spread through direct contact with the infected animal
or through indirect contact or infected
manure hay forages water rate birds and livestock attendants. There should be
proper sanitation rotational grazing and annual vaccination. The only control
measure is to bury and burn the infected animal.
Rinderpest
It
is very destructive among cattle buffaloes sheep goats and deer caused by
virus. Infected animals develop high temperature which reaches a peak in a day
or two and lasts for two to seven days.
The animal become dull with congested conjunctiva dry muzzles and loss of
appetite constipation and diarrhea. Lesions show on buccal mucous membrane on
the lip and gum on the seventh to ninth
day. The lesions later develop into ulcer resulting in a loss of appetite
servere dirarrhoea and later the animal
dies. The animal dies. The animal should
be vaccinated using tissue culture of Rinderpest. It must be noted that vaccination
against rinderpest in usually necessary in Africa.
Anthrax
It
is caused by bacillus antharac is (Bacteria). No symptom may be observed before
the death of infected animal but black tarry exudates from the various body
orifices after death. There is always an incubation period of about 1-2 weeks
after which the animal dies suddenly without any sign. The animals could be
treated with antibiotics. The infected animal should be burnt and buried while
the premises should be thoroughly disinfected.
Peste des petits
ruminant
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is
a highly contagious and infections viral disease of domestic and wild small
ruminants. It is characterized by the sudden onset of depression fever
discharges from the eyes and nose sores in the mouth disturbed breathing and
cough foul-smelling diarrhea and death.
The virus which causes PPR the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) belongs
to the rinderpest virus of cattle and buffaloes the measles virus of humans the distemper virus of dogs and
some wild carnivores and the morbilliviruses of aquatic mammals. To date genetic characterization
of PPR virus has allowed them to be organized into four groups three from
Africa and one from Asia. One of the African groups of PPRV is also found in Asia. The
epidemiological significance of these groupings is less clear at present than
that rinderpest virus groups.
Chlmydia or
enzootic abortion
This
affects two five percent of ewes. This discase has become more prevalent in the
Midwest since 1970. The ewe usually is sick and won’t cat for two or three
days. The placenta is retained and is
brown in colour. The ewe usually has a vaginal discharge Abortion occurs during
the last four weeks of gestation. There is now a vaccine killed bacterin). In
case of an outbreak antibioties help but the low incidence lessens its
practicability.
Pregnancy
Disease
Pregnancy disease is an upset or
interference in the metabolism eycle of carbohydrates it is not related in any
way to the amount of exercise the ewe gets. In converting fatty acids and particularly body fat to glucose ketones
accumulate in the bloodstream and blood glucose levels deeline. The ketones are
very toxic to the ewe. Tesulting in death within two five days. Pregnancy disease
occurs only among ewes carrying multiple fetuses and usually only during the
last four-five weeks of gestation. The ewe stops eating which reduces her source of carbohydrate. She separates from the flock
often wanders aimlessly and may press her head against-the barn-or-feedbunk.
Unless a ewe is treated very soon after the first signs are noticed little can
be done. Separate her from the flock drench her with ½ pint propylene glycol twice a day until she
eats and offer her grain and hay. Drenching with glucose honey or molasses or
injecting 40-50cc of 5 10% glucose under the skin also may be used with
reasonable success. If the ewe is not treated the first day however the
prognosis is poor.
To prevent pregnancy disease keep
ewes gaining weight during the last four weeks of gestation. Increase the
energy intake by feeding in addition to hay 5 1.0 pound grain per ewe daily . fat ewes may be more susceptible because they have difficulty increasing in weight have limited feed capacity in
relation to their size and have an abundant amount of fat-to-convert-to-energy.
Mastitis
Mastitis
(acute pasteurella) is the major reason producers cull ewes. Mastitis is
associated with lambs with sore mouth and incurred “drying up” of the ewe at
weaning. The teat is too big or is near the ground and the lamb doesn’t find
it. Minimize re infection by isolating
the infected ewe and her lambs. Palpate udders in the fall and cull ewes with
indications of sear tissue. Mark infected ewes at lambing time. Avoid udder
injury and cull ewes with pendulous udders. Treatment includes giving sulfamethazine
at one grain per pound of body weight (two bolus) intramammary infusion of the
udder (by a teat tube) or intramuscular injection of 8 10cc of tetracycline.
Foot rot
Footrot is a grievous disease that
almost defies curing. For a small flock of grade ewes selling out and starting
over is the wisest decision. Footrot is eaused by two bacteria. Fusobacterium
necrophorum and Bacteroides nodosus that act synergistically. F necrophorum is
common in most manure it is very hardy and can live for years in manure. It
contributs to footrot in cattle and causes thrush in horses. B. nodosus-apparently
lives only in sheep hooves. It dies out in soil in two weeks it grows very
slowly so the incubation period may be long. Foot abscess may be caused by B.
nodosus but footrot requires the presence of both B. nodosus and F.
necrophorum. Moist soil conditions contribute greatly to the cause and spread
of footrot.
To-control-and-treat-footrot:Trim
the hoof wall to the quick in all sheep. Soak affected hooves for five minutes
in a foot bath containing 90% water and 10% formalin (37% formaldehyde) or 10%
zine sulfate. Zine sulfate is as effective as formalin and is safer to-use.
Isolate limpers and repeat one week later. Turn apparently cured sheep into an
uncontamainated area. Doing so does create a problem however because some sheep
thought to be clean actually still are finfected. With time and moist
conditions. They will reinfect other sheep. Re-examine all sheep and remove any
limpers you initially thought were clean. Force sheep to move through a 10%
zine sulfate solution daily for 30 days. This has become the
most-successful-treatment-scheme. Sell-persistent-limpers. If you sell all sheep
wait three weeks-before-bringing-in-new-sheep.
Sore-Mouth
Sore mouth (contagious ecthyma)
is caused by a virus. Herpes uleers develop on the lip and tongue of the lamb
and on the udder of the ewe. An abrasion on the lips seems to contribute to its
incidence. It is more prevalent in lambs on rubber nipples. Vaccinate if you
have infected sheep running with susceptible sheep (young lambs). If you show
sheep vaccination is a must. For most sheep it is of little concern. Other than
with baby lambs let it run its course. It is a virus so antibioties are
ineffective. Vaccinate at two three days if you have had previous problems and have
brought in unexposed sheep.
Sore-Mouth
The
ewe can’t feed two lambs (mastitis too little feed etc). joint-injury-or-illness.
Pneumonia which often is associated with lambs that received no
colostrums-and-thereby-lack-immune-bodies.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia the number one lamb
disease occurs because of a lak of colostrums because of “mastitis milk.” Or
because ewes are heavily infected with pasteurella (99% are infected so the
organism is always present). A lamb contracts pneumonia because it can’t stand
such stresses as too little milk draft dampness and ammonia off a manure pack.
Diagnosis of sick unthrifty young lambs is relatively simple because 9% of the
time they are either starving or have pneumonia. Strive for early detection and
start antibiotic treatment before the lungs have been permanently damaged.
Treatment for pneumonia is to inject
the lamb with antibiotics (tracycline penicillin or streptomycin)plus one grain
sultamethazine per pound of body weight. Adequate selenium and vitamin E help
the lamb withstand pneumonia. Keep the lamb strong.
Baby-Lamb Scours
Scours are due to one of many bacteria.
To minimize the problem an adequate intake of colostrum (eight to 12 ounces of
either ewe or cow colostrums) is absolutely essential. Scours may hit the lamb
the first day of life. The lamb succumbs due to added stress (draft ammonia
poor ventilation). Clostridium perfringens type C may be the cause of baby lamb
scours. Vaccinate the ewe four weeks prelambing to prevent it. Treat scours
with a 250 mg letracycline capsule orally injection of 1 cc penicillin or
tetracy line (IM) E coli salmonella often is the cause.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis
usually occurs in lambs four weeks or elder it is caused by protozoa. Treat it
with amprolin or sulfamethazine (one grain per pound of body weighty weight). Rmensin
isapproved for cattle but not sheep)Bovatee. 40g ton of feed is also effective.
I lectrolyt baking soda or consomine soup are supportive treatments. Lambs
usually show blacklist blood-tinged diarrhea and are reluctant to eat.
Tetanus: Tetanus is
caused by clostridium tetani which persists in the soil most farms.
Next to horses sheep are the most
suseeptible farm animal. The beteria are anacrobic so wounds in which air contact is
limited are most susceptible to tetanus. Docking and castrating with rubber
rings in tense the incidence of infection. Disinfecting docking and castrating
wounds will minimize it. Infected sheep
become stiff move with a straddled gait
and usually die. Vaccinating with tetanus toxoid and anti-toxin prior to
docking is effective.