Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
cavity at the same time that the feet emerge
on the outside.
If the head does not come out easily, it is
either too large or the lamb may be turned
on its back (with its back down toward the
ewe's stomach). With cords still attached to
the legs, you may have to push it back again
and gently give it a half turn so that its legs
are pointed down in a normal position, for it
will come out easier that way.
If you have a hard time getting a grip on
that slippery head to bring it into position,
try to get a cord noose over its lower jaw. Insert your hand with the noose over
your fi ngers, then slip it off onto the chin. Be sure it does not clamp down on
any part of the inside of the ewe, as this may tear her tissues. By pulling on
the noose that is over the chin, you can more easily guide the head into the
proper position.
Both legs presented, head turned
back
Hind Feet Coming Out First
When the hind feet are coming out fi rst, pull gently, because the lamb often
gets stuck when it's halfway out. When this happens, swing the lamb from
side to side while pulling until the ribs are out, and then pull it out quickly.
Sometimes it's easier on the lamb to twist
it a half turn, so that its back is toward the
ewe's stomach, or rotate it a quarter turn
while it's being pulled out. Pulling out
the lamb quickly is extremely important
because the umbilical cord is pinched
once the lamb is half out, and the lamb
will inhale mucus if it tries to breathe.
You must also immediately wipe off the
mucus that covers the lamb's nose to pre-
vent it from suffocating.
Hind-feet fi rst
Breech Birth
In the breech position the lamb is presented backwards, with its tail toward
the pelvic opening and the hind legs pointed away from the pelvic opening.
It is generally easier to get the lamb into position for delivery with its back
