Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
products available; check the concentration carefully before use, and follow
label instructions. There is reason to anticipate an increase in selenium defi -
ciency. Increased forage yields are speeding the depletion of selenium in the
topsoil, and increased animal stocking per acre in a given area also contrib-
utes to the problem.
Although adult sheep can suffer from the diseases discussed in this section,
lambs are far more susceptible to them, and they are more often deadly in
lambs. Lambs are highly vulnerable during the fi rst 10 days of their lives
to many ailments. (Chapter 10 has more information on general lambing
problems.)
Acidosis
The disorder known as acidosis, which is also called acute indigestion or
“founder,” is caused by excessive production of lactic acid in ruminants that
suddenly gorged themselves on grain or other feeds that are high in carbo-
hydrates. It also occurs in feedlot lambs fed high-grain-low-roughage diets.
Fermentation of the high-energy diet results in excessive production of lactic
acid and causes toxicity. Acidity increases in the rumen until severe digestive
upset or death occurs. Manifestation of acidosis can be marked by the sudden
death of numerous lambs; this manifestation is similar to that of enterotox-
emia (see page 253), making accurate diagnosis diffi cult. Signs include inap-
petence (loss of appetite), depression, lameness, coma, and death. Feed that
is at least 50 percent roughage (hay and/or pasture) is safe for the lambs. Any
shift to a higher percentage of grain should be made very gradually.
Constipation
A constipated lamb usually hunches up while standing and looks uncomfort-
able. There is no sign of droppings or only a few very hard ones. Sometimes
the lamb grinds its teeth, and if the condition is left unchecked, the lamb can
go into convulsions and die.
For most cases of constipation, including that caused by unpassed meco-
nium, administer 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or 1 tablespoon of castor oil
for very small lambs (under 2 weeks old). For lambs as old as 2 months, care-
fully give ¼ to ½ cup of vegetable oil. The dose may need to be repeated two
or three times.
