Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
If the ewe rejects the lamb after it starts to nurse, not before, check the
udder for sensitivity and check the lamb's teeth. A little fi ling with an emery
board can remedy sharp teeth. Don't fi le too much, or the teeth will become
sore and the lamb won't nurse, which puts you right back where you started.
Apply Bag Balm to the ewe's teats if they are sore or lacerated by sharp teeth.
Keep her tied where the lamb can nurse until she accepts it.
Grafting
Sometimes a bummer lamb (either a true orphan or a rejected lamb) can be
grafted onto another ewe. Grafting is getting the ewe to accept another lamb
as her own, but the process can be complicated and isn't always successful.
5. Confi rm that the position is correct with the wet-fi nger or blowing
test (see page 297).
6. Insert the end of the catheter tube into the syringe fi lled with
warmed milk and slowly squeeze the milk into the lamb's
stomach.
7. Withdraw the tube quickly to prevent dripping into the lungs on
the way out.
proper position
improper position
90°
If the lamb's head is held out straight, the trachea is open and there is considerable
risk of inserting the tube into the lungs. It's better, although more diffi cult, to keep
the head at a 90-degree angle when inserting the tube into the stomach.
