Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Spider Syndrome
The spider syndrome (also known as spider-lamb syndrome, or SLS) is a reces-
sive, genetic disorder that seems particularly to affect Suffolk and Hampshire
sheep, although it may be seen in some of the other black-faced breeds as well,
probably as a result of crossbreeding with Suffolks. The disorder manifests
itself in skeletal abnormalities, such as splay-leggedness. (Its name comes
from the fact that animals suffering from the disorder develop legs that look
like spider legs.) In spider syndrome, the growing animal doesn't correctly
convert cartilage to bone as it develops.
If purchasing a ram of a black-faced breed, make sure he's been DNA tested
as free from the “s” gene that causes the disorder.
Hoof-Related Problems and Care
Many foot diseases can be prevented by proper and periodic hoof trimming,
which is most easily done in the spring, when hooves are still soft from wet
weather, and in the fall, after the start of the rainy season. The amount of hoof
wear depends on whether the soil conditions are mud, sand, or gravel and
whether the barn has a dirt or concrete fl oor. Hooves that are in good shape
should ideally be trimmed twice a year, but they may need trimming more
often, especially when the weather is wet for prolonged periods.
Lameness
Lameness can be caused by a number of diseases or nutritional problems or as
the result of an injury. You can help prevent sheep from becoming lame by:
■
Trimming all feet each spring before turning out sheep on new pasture
■
Trimming again at shearing time or later in the year. Untrimmed hooves
curl under on the sides, providing pockets for accumulation of moist
mud and manure that create an ideal environment for foot-disease
germs.
■
Maintaining dry bedding during winter
■
Keeping sheep away from marshy pastures during wet months
■
Changing location of feeding sites occasionally to prevent accumulation
of manure and formation of muddy areas
■
Having a footbath arrangement
Footbath.
Having a footbath is one of the most important aspects of
treating foot disorders and avoiding lameness in sheep. If you run the sheep
through a trough of plain water fi rst, it keeps the bacterial bath clean longer.
