SOME KEY POINTS There are pros and cons associated with different lambing periods and frequencies. Winter lambing offers many advantages, but usually requires enclosed housing. Spring lambing is more natural, but predators and parasites are major obstacles. Fall lambing is ideal, but success is hindered by the seasonal nature of sheep breeding. Accelerated lambing (lamb more often than once per year) offers increased income potential and is most advantageous when overhead costs are high. A lambing system concerns when lambing will occur (what season or months), how often a ewe will lamb (annual vs. accelerated), and how and where lambing will occur (shed vs. pasture). There is no one "best" lambing system or way to raise lambs. Producers need to match the lambing system to their goals and objectives, resources, and market demand. The same farm or ranch may utilize different lambing systems for different groups of sheep. Early vs. Late Lambing The first decision to make is when to lamb. There are pros and cons associated with lambing at different times of the year. Early Lambing (winter-early spring) Early lambing systems have several advantages. High on the list is labor availability. For producers who farm full-time, the winter may be a time when labor is more readily available versus the spring when field work and planting begins. Lambs born early in the year are usually gone by the time summer comes, which frees labor for other farming operations. Another advantage is marketing. Historically, lamb prices have been highest during the first half of the year, especially during the Easter season. As a result, lambs born in the winter were usually sold for higher prices than those born in the spring. In more recent years, population demographics have altered the demand for lamb. Very often, the highest lamb prices of the year occur slightly before the Muslim Festival of the Sacrifice. This holiday moves 11 days forward each year. Producers who lamb in the winter can usually carry more ewes on their pastures, since ewe feed requirements are only maintenance and lambs are not competing for a possibly limiting resource, pasture. If lambing occurs during the winter months, good facilities are needed. Housing is a big consideration. Overhead costs are higher with winter lambing . Mastitis, scours, and pneumonia can be bigger issues with early lambing because sheep are confined into smaller areas. Early-born lambs are often creep fed and finished on concentrate rations. They usually grow faster than those born later in the year, but their cost of gain is usually higher. If winter-born lambs are put to pasture, they usually have less parasite problems compared to lambs born later in the spring. Late Lambing (April-May) Late lambing has many advantages over early lambing and is gaining in popularity. With spring lambing, the sheep production cycle is synchronized with the forage production cycle, allowing for maximum use of forage resources. Late lambing takes optimal advantage of the spring flush of grass. For most of the winter, ewes can be maintained on a maintenance diet of relatively inexpensive hay or silage. Spring lambing coincides with the natural breeding and lambing seasons. With spring lambing, breeding and lambing periods tend to be more condensed, because ewes and rams are most fertile during a fall mating season. Most ewes conceive during their first heat cycle and almost all will settle within two heat cycles, resulting in a short 35-day lambing period. Another advantage is that ewes usually give birth to larger lamb crops. Even the breeds noted for out-of-season lambing will produce a 10 to 20 percent higher lamb crop in the spring than in the fall. Any breed of sheep can be raised in a late-lambing season. The primary benefit to late lambing is reduced production costs: lower feed costs, less labor, and overhead. However, late lambing requires better pasture management than early lambing, since lambs are usually fed or finished on grass. Internal parasites and predators can be a significantly larger problem with late lambing programs. Early spring and late summer conditions are the worst for parasite infestations. Highest predation typically occurs from late spring through September-October, as most predator species have pups or kits to feed. It is essential that producers have a plans for dealing with both potential problems. Fall Lambing (September-November) Fall lambing has several advantages over the previous systems. Late-gestation and lactation coincide with fall forage growth. Weather conditions are usually ideal for pasture lambing. There are fewer problems with parasites and predators with fall lambing. Lambs can usually be sold when prices are the highest, around Christmas time. However, fall lambing is a challenge because conception rates are much lower than with spring breeding. Less seasonal breeds are usually favored in a fall lambing program, although seasonal breeds can be primed to lamb in the fall using the ram effect, light control, and/or hormonal manipulation of the reproductive cycle. From an industry standpoint, if more lambs were born in the fall, the supply of lamb would be more even distributed, resulting in more stable prices and steadier demand. Accelerated Lambing Accelerated lambing is when ewes lamb more frequently than once a year. The purpose of accelerated lambing systems is to reduce fixed costs, produce a more uniform supply of lamb throughout the year, and increase profitability. There are several accelerated lambing systems. Twice a year lambing The most intensive form of accelerated lambing is twice a year lambing whereby a ewe would produce two lamb crops per year. Twice a year lambing has the potential to maximize lamb production, but may not be practical under most commercial situations. Twice a year lambing is probably most common near the equator. Opportunistic Lambing Opportunistic lambing is when rams are kept with the flock on a continuous basis. With the right kind of ewes, this will result in a lambing interval of less than 12 months. The problem with opportunistic lambing is you don't know when lambs are due, so the timing of vaccinations, deworming, and supplemental feeding is more difficult. Lambs may also be born forage resources are poor. Keeping the ram with the flock all the time also increases the probability of inbreeding, if female progeny are not removed in a timely fashion. Three lamb crops in two years The most common system of accelerated lambing is three lamb crops in two years, resulting in an average lambing interval of 8 months or 1.5 lambings per ewe per year. The 3/2 system is usually characterized by a fixed mating and lambing schedule, such as May mating/October lambing, January mating/June lambing, and September mating/February lambing (or slight variations). Another option is an 8 month overlapping system in which two groups of ewes lamb every eight months, but there are six lambing periods per year. The STAR© system (five lamb crops in three years) The STAR© system was developed at Cornell University. The STAR© system is designed so that ewes produce five lamb crops in three years. The calendar year is divided into five segments (the points of a star) that represent one-fifth of a year or 73 days. Two fifths of a year is 146 days, which is approximately the gestation length of a ewe. There are five lambing periods each year. Three groups of sheep are managed separately: 1) breeding and pregnant ewes and rams; 2) lambing and lactating ewes and lambs; and 3) growing lambs (market lambs and replacements). If a ewe misses a breeding, she can still lamb three times in two years. The STAR system is a natural system that does not use hormones or light control to achieve out-of-season breeding. It involves selecting sheep that breed during any season. The Cornell Dorset flock, which has been on the STAR system for more than 15 years, averages 1.5 lambings per ewe per year. To be successful, accelerated lambing requires the right sheep and careful management. Ewes and rams must be capable of breeding year-round. Less seasonal breeds, such as the Dorset, Merino, Finnsheep, Barbados Blackbelly, Polypay, Katahdin, St. Croix, Romanov, and Rambouillet, are best suited to accelerated lambing systems. The economics of accelerated lambing must be carefully examined. The increased income from the sale of lambs needs to compensate for the added costs and labor inputs. In addition, accelerated lambing requires a much higher level of management. Shed vs. Pasture/Range Lambing Shed lambing is when lambing occurs indoors. Pasture lambing occurs outdoors. Shed lambing is the most common system of lambing. Even producers who raise their sheep predominantly on pasture or range usually bring their ewes in for lambing. However, pasture lambing is increasing in popularity due to the emphasis on more sustainable systems of livestock production that require less physical inputs, including labor. Shed lambing Shed lambing provides the ewe and lamb(s) protection from the elements, as well as predators. It allows for earlier lambing. The primary disadvantage to shed lambing is cost. In addition to the cost of lambing facilities, labor and feed costs are usually higher. Due to the higher cost, shed lambing is most advantageous for highly productive flocks. The shepherd has more control with a shed lambing system. Pasture lambing Pasture (or range) lambing is becoming more popular. It is more natural and generally healthier for the ewe and her lambs. However, it must occur during periods of mild weather or lamb losses can be substantial. Predation can also be a more significant problem where pasture lambing is practiced. Feed costs tend to be lower with pasture lambing because ewes and lambs are getting most of their nutrient requirements from pasture. Labor inputs are less because ewes are lambing on their own. Range lambing Range lambing does not usually begin until mid-May when the risk of inclement weather has passed. Lambing is usually unassisted. Lambs are marked (docked and castrated) all at once, usually before they are 60 days of age. Lambing occurs in pastures that are close to the homestead. Sometimes, the first-time lambers in range flocks are shed lambed.

SOME KEY POINTSExtra nutrition is required in late gestation to meet the need of the growing fetuses and to support the growth of mammary tissue.Selenium is passed from the placenta to the fetus(es) during late pregnancy.A pre-lambing vaccination is the best way to provide lambs with passive protection against clostridial diseases.The ewe suffers a temporary reduction in the immunity to parasites around the time of lambing. Lambing is the most important time of the shepherd's year. The sheep's, too. So, it is important to be prepared. Preparations include managing and feeding the sheep properly, getting the lambing facilities ready, and gathering necessary supplies.Preparing the EwesFeeding and management during late gestation can determine success (or failure) of the lambing season and sheep enterprise. While random problems can arise, most problems can be prevented and result from improper feeding and management, especially during the last third of pregnancy.What's Happening During Late Gestation?Approximately 70 percent of fetal growth occurs during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. Most of the ewe's mammary (udder) growth is occurring during this period as well. In addition, her rumen capacity is decreasing. The primary result is the need for increased feed, primarily a more nutrient-dense diet.Extra nutrition is needed to support fetal growth, especially if there are multiple fetuses involved. Extra feed is needed to support mammary development and ensure a plentiful milk supply. The quantity and quality of colostrum is affected by nutrition. Extra nutrition will prevent the occurrence of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis). It will ensure the birth of strong, healthy lambs that are not too big and are not too small. Birth weight is highly correlated to lamb survival. There is a quadratic relationship between birth weight and lamb survival. Small lambs have a lower rate of survival; so, do lambs that are too big.Nutrition During Late GestationDuring late gestation, energy (TDN) is the nutrient most likely to be deficient. The level of nutrients required will depend upon the age and weight of the ewe and the number of offspring she is carrying. To meet the increased energy needs during this period, it is often necessary to feed concentrates (grain), especially if the ewe is pregnant with multiple fetuses. In addition, if forage quality is low, it may be necessary to provide a supplemental source of protein and calcium.It is important not to under- or overfeed ewes during late gestation. There are consequences to both. Inadequate nutrition may result in pregnancy toxemia, small and weak lambs, higher lamb mortality, reduced quality and quantity of colostrum, poor milk yield, and reduced wool production (in the offspring) via fewer secondary follicles.Fat ewes are more prone to pregnancy toxemia. They experience more dystocia (birthing difficulties). They are more likely to prolapse their vaginas. Overfeeding can result in oversized fetuses that the female cannot deliver on her own. It costs extra money to make ewes fat. Feed Bunk ManagementIn addition to feeding the right ration, you must also practice good feed bunk management. All ewes should be able to eat at once. If there is inadequate feeder space, some ewes, especially the small, young, old, and timid ones, may not get enough to eat.Pregnant ewe lambs should be fed separately from mature ewes. Their nutritional requirements are higher than mature ewes because in addition to being pregnant, they are still growing. They may also have trouble competing for feeder space. They are more submissive. Pregnant ewes should generally not be fed on the ground. This is one way that abortions are spread. An exception might be feeding on frozen ground.Selenium and Vitamin ESelenium and vitamin E are critical nutrients during late gestation. Low levels of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E have been associated with poor reproductive performance and retained placentas. Selenium is passed from the placenta to the fetuses during late gestation. A selenium and/or vitamin E deficiency may cause white muscle disease (muscular dystrophy) in lambs.Free choice mineral mixes usually provide adequate selenium to pregnant ewes. Be sure to feed mineral mixes that have been specifically formulated for sheep. It is better to add a selenium-fortified mineral mix to the grain ration to ensure adequate intake by pregnant ewes. Free choice minerals do not always ensure adequate intake. When feeding free choice, be sure sheep are consuming the recommended daily dosage of the mineral mix. Loose, granulated minerals are preferred to mineral or salt blocks. Selenium may be provided via injections, but supplementation is cheaper and safer. There is a narrow range between selenium requirements and toxic levels.If feed supplementation is not able to raise selenium levels sufficiently, some shepherds may find it necessary to give Se/Vitamin E injections to newborn lambs. A veterinary prescription is required for Bo-Se®. Blood and tissues levels of selenium and vitamin E can be checked to see if there is a problem.CalciumCalcium (Ca) intake is important during late gestation. The ewe's requirements for calcium virtually double during late gestation. Milk fever is caused by a low blood calcium level, which can be the result of inadequate intake of calcium or failure to immobilize calcium reserves. Excessive intake of calcium can also be a problem. To prevent this from this situation, it is recommended that you save pure legume hays for lactation and feed a mixed (legume-grass) hay during late gestation. Grains, such as corn, barley, and oats, are poor sources of calcium. Forages are generally higher in calcium, especially legumes (alfalfa, clovers, lespedeza). Supplemental calcium can be provided through complete grain mixes or mineral supplements such as dicalcium phosphate, bone meal, or limestone. Kelp is also a good source of calcium. If low quality forage is fed, calcium should be supplemented through the grain ration. Free choice minerals do not always ensure adequate intake.ExerciseDaily exercise is recommended for ewes throughout their pregnancy. "Fit" ewes have fewer lambing problems. Separating feed, water, and minerals encourages exercise.StressEwes should not be stressed during their last trimester. Even if a dog does not harm a pregnant ewe, it can stress her, causing pregnancy complications. Handling should be minimized during late gestation. Groups should be kept stable. If new animals are introduced into a group, they will be a period during which ewes will have to re-establish social hierarchy.VaccinationsPregnant ewes should be vaccinated for clostridial diseases (usually either CDT or Covexin®-8) four to six weeks prior to parturition. Vaccinated females will pass antibodies in their colostrum to their newborn lambs via the colostrum. Ewes that have never been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown require two vaccinations during late gestation, approximately 4 weeks apart. Ewes should not be vaccinated within two weeks of lambing, as this is not enough time to get antibodies in the colostrum.A pre-lambing vaccination is the best way to provide lambs with passive protection against clostridial diseases, especially clostridium perfringins type C and tetanus. If the dam was not recently vaccinated for tetanus, the tetanus antitoxin can be given at the time of docking and castration. The tetanus antitoxin provides immediate passive immunity to tetanus lasting for about 7 to 14 days.The periparturient egg risePregnant and lactating ewes suffer a temporary reduction in immunity to gastro-intestinal parasites as a result of the hormonal changes that are occurring around the time of lambing. Fetal demand for glucose and protein also lessens the ewe's ability to resist parasites. This phenomenon is called the "periparturient rise." The primary result is increased egg shedding by periparturient ewes, which is usually the primary source of parasite infection for the new lamb crop whose immune systems are still naïve.Deworming with effective anthelmintics will help the ewe expel the worms and reduce the exposure of the offspring to infective worm larvae. It will reduce the worm burden when the ewes are turned out to pasture in the spring. Deworming can be done at the same time as CDT vaccinations. Valbazen® should not be given to ewes during the first trimester of pregnancy.Due to the widespread emergence of anthelmintic-resistant worms, there are better alternatives to deworming all periparturient ewes. Increasing the protein content has been shown to reduce fecal egg counts in periparturient ewes, resulting in better ewe and lamb performance. FAMACHA© and body condition scores can also be used to assess the need for anthelmintic treatment. Young ewes, ewes carrying or raising three or more lambs, and high-producing dairy ewes should be targeted for treatment or preferential feeding.Keeping ewes and lambs in confinement or dry lot during the periparturient period is another strategy. The periparturient egg rise is less of a concern in winter lambing programs. If lambs are never put to pasture, there is less impact of the periparturient egg rise, in which case only ewes with clinical signs of parasitism would need to be dewormed.Feed a coccidiostatIt is a common practice to feed a coccidiostat to ewes during late gestation. All sheep have coccidia in their GI tracts. Similar to worms, there is an increase in oocytes during the periparturient period. Coccidiostats disrupt the life cycle of coccidia; therefore, feeding a coccidiostat will reduce the number of coccidia oocytes being shed into the lambing environment. Coccidiostats should not be fed year-round, as drug resistance could develop.There is also evidence to suggest that feeding a coccidiostat, especially Rumensin®, during late gestation will aid in the prevention of abortions caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is a coccidia organism harbored by domestic cats. Coccidiostats, especially Rumensin®, can be fatal to equines.AntibioticsThe use of antibiotics may aid in the prevention of abortions caused by Chlamydia spp. (Enzootic/EAE) or Campylobacter spp. (vibrio). Chlortetracycline (aureomycin®) has been approved by the FDA to feed to pregnant ewes at a rate of 80 mg per head per day to help prevent abortions. A Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) just be obtained from a veterinarian in order to include an antibiotic in the feed. Alternatively, injections of antibiotics (e.g. LA-200) every 2 weeks during late gestation may help to prevent abortions. All injectable antibiotics require a veterinary prescription.Shearing or crutchingIt is a good idea to shear wooled ewes about a month or so before lambing. An alternative to shearing is crutching. Crutching is when you remove the wool from around the udder and vulva. There are numerous advantages to shearing prior to lambing. Shorn ewes put less moisture into the air. Shearing results in a cleaner, drier environment for newborn lambs. The last thing you want is for a newborn lamb to latch onto a tag or lock or wool, instead of a teat.Shorn ewes are less likely to lay on their lambs. They are more likely to seek shelter in inclement weather. Shorn ewes take up less space in the barn and around feeders. Shearing before lambing results in much cleaner fleeces. At the same time, shorn ewes will require more feed to compensate for heat loss due to shearing, especially during cold weather. Proper shelter should be provided to shorn ewes.FacilitiesGetting the lambing facility ready is almost as important as having the sheep ready for lambing. The lambing barn or area should be clean. Ideally, the barn should be cleaned and limed. Fresh bedding should be spread before turning the ewes in. Drafts in the lambing barn should be eliminated. A drop area should provide 12 to 14 square feet per ewe.Lambing pens (jugs) should be set up before the first ewe lambs. The general rule of thumb is that you should have enough pens to house 10 percent of the flock at a given time. If lambing is more concentrated, additional pens will be needed. 4 ft. x 4 ft. pens are adequate for small ewes, but 4 ft. x 6 ft. or 5 ft. x 5 ft. pens are needed for larger ewes and ewes with multiple births. Lambing pens can have solid or open sides. It is a good idea to have at least one grafting pen. A grafting pen has a hand stanchion built into it.Less facilities are required for pasture lambing. Lambing should occur in a clean, well-rested pasture. There should be access to shelter. It may be necessary to jug ewes with problem births. Lambs can be gathered every several weeks for marketing (ear-tagging, docking, and castrating).The following table lists supplies you should have on hand during lambing. The short list contains "must-haves." The long list contains supplies you might need.Table: Lambing supplies

SOME KEY POINTS Most ewes lamb on their own without any need for intervention. Lambing is dividing into three phases: dilation, delivery, and expulsion (of the placenta). Ewes that have not progressed for more than an hour after their water sac breaks should be examined (and assisted, if necessary). Dystocia (difficult or prolonged birth) is a leading cause of ewe and lamb death. After a normal delivery, a ewe can take care of her own lambs: leave her alone! The lambing process has evolved over thousands of years and most ewes will lamb normally without any trouble or need for assistance. However, understanding the lambing process can help you understand when a ewe is ready to give birth and when it may be necessary to lend a helping hand. The whole lambing process is controlled by a complex series of hormonal changes. It is the lamb who decides when it is time to be born. When a ewe is getting ready to deliver her lambs, she may not eat. Her udder and teats will be distended. Her vulva will be dilated. She will appear a bit hollow just in front of her hips, and she'll be not as wide and full over the rump, because the musculature there will have relaxed. The process sometimes appears "confusing" to first-time mothers, especially yearlings. Lambing Lambing is divided into several phases. In the first phase, the cervix dilates and the birth canal is prepared for delivery. This phase lasts for approximately 12 to 24 hours. At the end of this phase, a clear-whitish discharge will appear. The presence of the mucous discharge means that lambing has begun. In the next phase, uterine contractions will increase. As labor progresses, the ewe will spend more time lying down on her side with her head turned in the air. Eventually, a large "bubble" or water bag will appear, break, and expel the water. At this time, the tip of the nose and front feet of the lamb can be felt. The lamb is expelled. As ewes often have multiple births, the same sequence of the rupture of the water bag and expulsion of the lamb will be repeated for the delivery of each lamb. Ewes will vary in the time taken to complete lambing. The last stage of lambing includes the expulsion of the afterbirth or placenta. The placenta is usually expelled 30 to 60 minutes after the delivery of the last lamb. If the placenta is not expelled after 24 hours, there may be a problem. The ewe will eat the placenta because her instincts tell her to hide evidence of lambing to protect her offspring from predators. The placenta should be discarded to prevent the spread of disease and scavenging by dogs. Dystocia: assisting with difficult births Dystocia (or difficult births) is one of the leading causes of newborn lamb death. A New Zealand study showed that dystocia accounted for about 50 percent of deaths among newborn lambs. There can be many causes of dystocia in a flock: Abortion Disproportionate size of the ewe and lamb Malpresentation of the fetus Failure of the cervix to dilate Vaginal prolapse Deformed lamb One of the most difficult aspects of shepherding is knowing when and how to assist a ewe during lambing and when to call for help. It is generally recommended that if a ewe has been straining for over an hour and has nothing to show for it, it is time to check things out. Before entering a ewe, be sure to remove watches, rings, and other jewelry. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water and clean backside of the ewe. Gloves or sleeves should be worn during the examination. Coat your hand up to your elbow with a non-irritating lubricant. The liberal use of a lubricant cannot be overemphasized. Bunch your fingers and thumb into a cone shape and insert them into the ewe's vagina. If the cervix is open, you should feel the lamb's nose. Next, you need to determine where the lamb's front legs are. If the presentation is normal, the ewe should be able to deliver the lamb on her own, unless it is too big for her pelvic opening. You should not keep pulling your hand in and out of the ewe and should not change hands without washing again. Getting the ewe to stand up or elevating her hindquarters will allow more room for repositioning and result in less vigorous straining. If you have worked for a half hour with no progress, it is a good idea to call a veterinarian or a more experienced shepherd. Excessive stress in pulling and delayed delivery can result in a dead lamb and serious injury to the ewe. A live lamb will assist to some extent with its own birth. There is never enough room in the birth canal to correctly position a lamb. The lamb must be returned to the uterus before any corrections can be made. You should not attempt to deliver a lamb when the birth canal is only partially dilated. This can seriously damage the ewe. After all deliveries, check to make sure that there are no other lambs remaining in the uterus. After any assisted delivery, you should give the ewe an injection of a long-acting antibiotic. Normal presentation Normal delivery is when the two front feet appear with the head resting between them. Rarely is any assistance needed. However, a small ewe may have trouble delivery a very large lamb. In this case, gentle assistance may be needed. You should pull the lamb downward during her contractions. Backwards A backwards (hind legs first) delivery is also a normal delivery. It is common with twins and triplets. You should never attempt to convert a backwards delivery to a "normal" frontwards delivery. Turning a lamb around can result in death of the lamb or damage to the uterus. Plus, it is not necessary. Elbow lock An elbow lock is a "normal" position except the lamb's elbows are locked in the birth canal. You will need to push the lamb slightly back into the birth canal to extend the legs. Leg(s) back If one or both legs are back, you need to cup the lamb's hooves in your palm and bring them forward. A small lamb may be pulled with one leg back. If you are not able to bring the legs forward, you should slip a lambing rope onto one or both limbs and push the head back far enough to allow the legs to be drawn forward. Head back If the front legs are forward, but the head is back, you will need to push the lamb back into the uterus, so you can turn the head around. You should attach a lambing rope to each leg so you don't lose them. The lamb should not be pulled out by the jaw. A lamb with a broken jaw cannot suck and will likely die. You can use the eye sockets to pull the lamb's head. Disproportionate size (tight birth) Many lambing difficulties are due to the disproportionate size of the lamb and ewe. This can be the result of a large lamb, a small pelvic opening, or both. It is most common with young ewes and flocks that have a majority of single births. Lubrication and gentle, but firm assistance will usually alleviate the problem. You may have to pull the skin over the head. Extending one leg at time may also help. Breech A "true" breech birth is when the lamb is positioned backwards, with the rear legs tucked under and only the tail near the opening. A breech birth is common when the ewe has been straining for a long time and there is very little discharge and only a small water bag. To deliver a breech lamb, the first thing you have to do is bring the rear legs forward by cupping the fetlocks in your palm. Once the rear legs are forward, you need to quickly deliver the lamb because once the umbilical cord breaks, the lamb will begin breathing and could risk drowning in its own fluids. Swollen head If the head has been outside the vulva for a long time, it may have become very swollen. The tongue may be sticking out. While it may appear cold and dead, a lamb can survive for long periods of time in this position. If the head is covered with straw and feces, it will need to be washed before being returned to the uterus. Plenty of lubricant should be used. Margarine is an excellent lubricant for this purpose. If the lamb is dead, it is often easier to remove the head. Simultaneous births Sometimes, lambs are presented with their legs intertwined. Before attempting to deliver these lambs, you need to determine which legs belong to which head. It may be necessary to repel one lamb to allow easy delivery of the other. Ewes carrying triplets often have a higher percent of malpresented lambs, so flocks with high lambing rates require closer supervision during lambing. Dead and deformed lambs The removal of delivery dead and deformed lambs often requires veterinary assistance. Deformed lambs often cannot pass through the birth canal. If a lamb is freshly dead, it may be possible to extract it, but lambs that have been dead for some time often must be removed in pieces. If your flock experiences excessive lambing problems, you need to consider your breeding and nutrition problems. For example, a lot of oversized lambs could mean you are overfeeding you ewes during late pregnancy or using too large of a sire breed on your ewes. In addition, ewe lambs should not be bred until they have developed sufficiently. The rule of thumb is not to breed ewe lambs unless they have achieved approximately 70 percent of the mature weight. Ringwomb Failure of the cervix to dilate is called "ringwomb." It is one of the most difficult lambing problems to deal with. True ringwomb does not usually respond to any medical treatment or to manipulation of the cervix. A caesarian section is usually the only viable option to save the ewe and/or lambs. Ewes experiencing ringwomb should probably be removed from the flock. Ringwomb occurs most commonly in ewe lambs. Selenium deficiency is considered to be a contributing factor, but the condition is not fully understood. Its exact cause is unknown, though it is believed to have a genetic component. After Lambing After a normal lambing, the ewe can usually take care of her newborn lambs. It is best not to interfere. In unusual cases, it may be necessary to wipe the mucous from the lamb's nostrils to permit breathing. You'll want to make sure that the ewe claims each of her lambs and allows them to nurse. A vigorous lamb will get up and nurse within a half hour to an hour after birth. Make sure each lamb gets colostrum, the first milk produced after lambing.

SOME KEY POINTS Lambing jugs facilitate bonding and help to prevent mismothing. The navel of a newborn lambs is a possible route for infectious organisms and should be disinfected. It is essential that newborn lambs consume adequate colostrum in the first 18 to 24 hours. Hypothermia and starvation are leading causes of death in newborn lambs. Pneumonia and scours (diarrhea) are also common health problems in newborn lambs. Nearly 20 percent of lambs die before weaning. Eighty percent of those losses occur during the first 10 days. Good baby lamb care can significantly increase the number of lambs raised by ewes in the flock. A realistic goal would be to limit lamb mortality to 4 to 5 percent. Lambing jugs (pens) After the ewe has completed delivery, she and her lamb(s) can be moved to a lambing jug (individual pen). Lambing jugs help with bonding and prevent mismothering. Soon after delivery, the ewe's udder should be checked for milk supply and potential problems, such as mastitis. You can strip the teats to remove the wax plugs, though lambs can do this for themselves. Lambs should be monitored closely to make sure they nurse. Lambs that have nursed will have a full stomach upon palpation. Lambs that have not nursed should be assisted. Small, weak, and mismothered lambs may require assistance. The size of the lambing jug can be varied by the size of the ewe. 5 x 5 ft. is common. Larger jugs may be required for bigger sheep and multiple births. Smaller jugs increase the probability that a ewe will lay on her lamb(s). Lambing jugs should be clean, dry, and well-bedded. If feasible, jugs should be cleaned between ewes. Having one lambing jug per 7 to 10 ewes in the flock is usually adequate. More may be needed is lambing is closely spaced. Feed troughs and water buckets should be suspended out of reach of lambs. Heat lamps should be used with extreme caution. They should be used sparingly, hung in the corner of the pen at least 3 feet above the bedding. Lamb coats or jackets are a safe alternatives to heat lamps. Lambing cubicles (4 ft. x 6 ft.) placed around the walls of the lambing area have been used successfully as a place for ewes to lamb. They were originally tried to prevent mismothering. Research also looked at cubicles as a way to reduce labor needs during lambing. When lambing occurs on pasture, ewes and lambs are not typically jugged unless there is a problem. Sometimes, first-time lambers are placed in jugs; while mature ewes lamb on pasture or range. Less labor is required with pasture lambing, but there is usually a trade-off with higher mortality, due to mismothering, predator, or weather losses. Disinfecting navels The navel of a newborn lamb is a possible route for infectious agents. Navel cords more than 2 inches long should be clipped closer to the body. To avoid infections, navel stumps should be disinfected soon after birth. The navel area can be sprayed or dipped with an antiseptic solution such as Gentle Iodine (1% iodine), Betadine®, or Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan®). Colostrum Colostrum is the "first milk" that a ewe produces after lambing. Colostrum contains a high level of several nutrients that are important for lamb health and performance. Colostrum also contains a high level of antibodies against a variety of infectious agents. At birth, the lamb does not have its own antibodies because antibodies in the ewe's bloodstream do not cross the placenta. It is critical that lambs receive enough colostrum during their first 18 to 24 hours of life in order to ensure adequate absorption of colostral antibodies. Antibodies are large protein molecules that cross the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream of the lamb only during the first 18 to 24 hours of life. Absorption of these antibodies is most efficient during the first few hours after birth. It is recommended that lambs receive approximately 10 percent of their body weight in colostrum by 24 hours after birth. This means that a 10 lb. lamb should consume 1 lb. (16 ounces) of colostrum by 24 hours of age. Ideally, they should consume half of this within 4 to 8 hours of birth. A 60 cc syringe holds 2 ounces of colostrum. All lambs need colostrum. While it is possible for lambs to survive without colostrum in a relatively disease-free environment, the likelihood of disease and death is much higher in lambs that do not receive colostrum. The ideal colostrum source for supplemental feeding of lambs is from healthy ewes in one's own flock. Ewes vary in the quantity and quality of colostrum they produce. Young ewes generally produce less colostrum because they also produce less milk. At lambing, ewes can be checked (teats stripped) for the quality and quantity of colostrum. Older ewes have had greater exposure to infectious agents and usually have a higher concentration of antibodies in their colostrum. Colostrum from dairy cows or goats may be used if ewe's colostrum is not available. The colostrum from the colored breeds (e.g. Jersey) is more desirable. Only milk from Johne's-free herds should be used. Because cow and goat milk is lower in fat, more of it needs to be fed. Producers who are attempting to develop an Ovine Progressive Pneumonia (OPP)-free flock need to be concerned about the source of colostrum, since OPP can be transmitted from infected ewes to lambs via the colostrum. Cross transmission between goats (CAE) and sheep (OPP) is also possible. There are various colostrum products on the market for lambs. A colostrum substitute is one which contains immunoglobulins (igG). Land O'Lakes markets a colostrum substitute for lambs. Most other products are colostrum supplements. These products are very nutritious, but do not contain any antibodies. Regardless, be sure to use a product that has been formulated specifically for lambs. Complications with newborn lambs The major killers of newborn lambs are starvation, hypothermia, scours, and pneumonia. A study at the US Sheep Experiment Station (in Dubois, Idaho) showed that 46 percent of lamb mortality is caused by scours (diarrhea), 20 percent by starvation, and 8 percent by pneumonia. Lambs that experience difficult and prolonged birthing episodes are more susceptible to health problems, as are those that do not consume adequate colostrum. Hypothermia Hypothermia (chilling) is defined as low body temperature. To maintain its body temperature, a newborn lamb must produce as much heat as it is losing to the environment. If it cannot do this, its body temperature will start to fall. A smaller lamb will chill faster than a larger lamb. Lambs with thicker coats will lose less heat. For this reason, hair sheep lambs are generally more cold tolerant. The quicker a ewe licks off the lamb, the less vulnerable it will be to chilling. Lambs born in drafty pens or outside with no shelter from the wind will lose body heat quicker. Lambs born in colder temperatures obviously lose body heat more quickly than those born during moderate weather. Lambs with hypothermia appear weak, gaunt, and hunched up. In severe cases, the lamb may be unable to hold its head up. The ears and mouth may feel cold. The lamb may lack suckling response. The normal body temperature for lambs is 102-103°F. Lambs with temperatures below 100°F are considered hypothermic. A rectal thermometer can be used to assess body temperature. It is important to get colostrum in newborn hypothermic lambs to elevate the body temperature. Tube feeding is an effective means of doing this. It may also be necessary to move the lamb to a warmer environment to elevate the body temperature. In fact, if the lamb's temperature is 99 degrees F or less, it should be warmed first. There are several ways to warm a lamb. If the lamb is wet, dry it off and wrap it in a towel. A hair dryer can be used to warm a lamb. The lamb can be put into a warming box. Heat lamps do not provide enough heat for hypothermic lambs. They are also a fire hazard. In newborn lambs, hypothermia usually results from exposure. In lambs over 24 hours of age, hypothermia is usually a result of starvation. Older lambs should be handled in a similar manner, except they do not need colostrum. Milk replacer can be fed with a bottle or tube feeder. More milk should be fed at one time. Starvation Lamb starvation is the number one killer of baby lambs. There are many causes: inadequate intake of colostrum, rejection by dam, mastitis, teats which are too large or close to the ground, inadequate milk production, joint injury or illness, soremouth, and/or a difficult birth. Starvation typically occurs during the first three days of life. A lamb will be found standing with its head down, ears drooping back, or it may become too weak to stand. Hungry lambs frequently bleat. The stomach would be empty upon palpation. Shivering, shaking and hypothermia may follow but this hypothermic lamb is typically over 12 hours of age. The obvious treatment for starvation is nutrition. Some lambs can be fed with a bottle; others will require tubing. Scours (diarrhea) Baby lamb scours can be due to one of several bacteria: e. coli, salmonella, or clostridium perfringins type C. Adequate intake of colostrum is the best protection against scours. Strict sanitation is also important. Sloppy lambing conditions predispose lambs to many potential health problems. Bacterial scours can be treated with antibiotics and fluid therapy. Spectinomycin oral pig pump is a preferred treatment for baby lamb scours. Its extra-label use requires veterinary approval. There are vaccines for e. coli scours ("watery mouth") and clostridium perfringins type C. Pneumonia Baby lamb pneumonia is caused primarily by the bacterium Pasteurella hemolytica, sometimes mycoplasma. It is characterized by fever, increased respiratory rate, failure to nurse, and death in untreated cases. Lambs appear gaunt and lethargic. Lambs that do not consume adequate colostrum are particularly at risk for developing pneumonia. Ventilation problems are commonly associated with outbreaks of pneumonia. Drafts and dampness contribute. Pneumonia is much more common with housed sheep than those raised on pasture. Tightly closed barns often lack adequate ventilation. Pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics: penicillin, tetracyclines, and others. Fluid therapy can hasten recovery. Unfortunately, vaccination of pregnant ewes with parainfluenza (PI3) has not been shown to reduce pneumonia levels in newborn lambs. Some breeds seem to be more susceptible to respiratory problems (e.g. East Friesian).

SOME KEY POINTS When choosing a lamb for artificial rearing (from a litter), choose the odd one. Make sure newborns get enough colostrum (approximately 10 percent of their birth weight). Feed a specific-specific milk replacer (cow and goat milk okay, too.) Feed milk cold to prevent overeating and digestive upsets. Offer solid food (grain) at an early age to help develop the rumen. Vaccinate multiple times for enterotoxemia. Wean early at 4 to 6 weeks of age when lambs are at least 3x their birthweight. One of the results of having a high lambing percentage (e.g. more than 200%) is that you will likely have some lambs that will have to be reared artificially. While some ewes are able to raise triplets (even quads), sometimes it is necessary (and/or wise) to remove lambs from large litters in order to obtain more satisfactory weight gains. There are also instances when a ewe cannot raise all of her lambs due to disease (e.g. mastitis or OPP) or death. Artificial rearing is a standard practice on most dairy sheep enterprises. Pet lambs are often reared artificially. If/when choosing lambs for artificial rearing, there are different opinions as to which offspring should be removed. Traditionally, it was recommended that the bigger, stronger lamb(s) be removed for artificial rearing; however, experience has shown that these lambs do better on their dams, and the smaller weaker lambs do better if they are artificially reared. Regardless, in a group of three lambs, it makes sense to remove the odd one, leaving a balanced (size or sex) set of lambs on the ewe. Sometimes, you don't have a choice as to which lamb(s) require artificial rearing. Some lambs will not survive without human intervention. Grafting Before initiating artificial feeding, you should try to graft the "extra" lamb(s) onto another ewe that has sufficient milk to raise another lamb (or two). Ewes that have lost their lamb(s) are usually good candidates. The best way to graft newly-born lambs is to rub the fetal membranes and fluids from the foster ewe's lamb(s) onto the lamb you wish to graft. You can also skin a dead lamb and place the skin on the lamb you wish to graft. Head stanchions can used for grafting, especially with older lambs and if a ewe is rejecting any of her offspring. In a head stanchion, the ewe is able to stand, lie down, and eat and drink, but she is not able to butt the lambs and prevent them from nursing. You can also hold a ewe until she allows the lamb(s) to nurse. Grafting works best when the lambs are vigorous and eager to nurse. Unfortunately, grafting is not always successful, and you need to be prepared to feed the extra lamb(s). Colostrum As with any newborn animal, it is important that newborn lambs consume enough colostrum during their first 18 to 24 hours of life. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the dam after birthing. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies. Research has indicated that a newborn lamb should receive 3 ounces of colostrum per pound of body weight, divided into several feedings. A lamb should consume 10 percent of its body weight in colostrum during its first day of life. Many lambs will drink colostrum from a nippled bottle. Others may need to be fed with an esophageal feeding tube. If colostrum is not available from the dam or another ewe on the farm, cow or goat colostrum can be substituted. When cow colostrum is used, approximately 30 percent more should be fed to lambs, due to the low fat content of cow's milk as compared to ewe milk. You need to pay close attention to the source of colostrum, as CAE, OPP, and Johne's disease can all be transmitted via infected colostrum. Artificial colostrum can also be used. Several companies (e.g. Land O'Lakes) sell colostrum substitutes for lambs that contain protective antibodies (IgG). Products marketed as colostrum supplements are highly nutritious but lack the protective antibodies of colostrum substitutes. However, they are preferable to no colostrum at all. It is common to store frozen colostrum in ice cube trays. Frozen colostrum should be thawed at room temperature or in a hot water bath. High heat or microwaves should not be used to thaw colostrum because they will destroy the antibodies in the milk. The best way to thaw colostrum is at room temperature. After colostrum feeding, lambs should be fed a high quality milk replacer that has been formulated specifically for lambs. Some lambs may do okay on generic (multi-species) or calf milk replacers, but they will do best if they are a fed species-specific milk replacer. Milk replacer powder should be reconstituted (mixed) according to the manufacturer's instructions. It should never be diluted more than recommended. Because of the high fat content of lamb milk replacer, it should be mixed in warm water, then cooled and stored at 35 to 40° F before being fed. It is essential that milk replacer be mixed properly. Lumps can contribute to abomasal bloat. The addition of yogurt to the milk may help to prevent bloat. Formalin has also been added to milk replacers to prevent abomasal bloat. Cow's milk is another option for artificially rearing lambs. One source might be "waste" milk from antibiotic-treated cows. This milk is otherwise discarded. When cow's milk is fed, additional fat or oil should be added, due to the nutritional differences between the milks. Store-bought cow's milk is another possibility, as it can be much less expensive than lamb milk replacer. Research has proven that whole powdered cow milk can be a cheaper and safe alternative for feeding lambs. If it can be obtained, goat's milk is another option for feeding lambs. As with cow's milk, additional fat or oil should be added. Cross-transmission of OPP and CAE is possible with goat's milk. Feeding recommendations After the first few days, it is recommended that milk be fed cold, about 40°F (~4°C). With cold milk, there is less tendency for lambs to overeat, thus helping to prevent (abomasal) bloat, diarrhea, and other digestive upsets. Feeding cold milk is important if milk will be offered free choice. Milk can be kept cold in the summer by putting frozen plastic water bottles in the bucket. For the first few days of life, lambs should be fed frequently. After they are a few days old, the frequency of feedings can be reduced. There are numerous protocols for feeding. Generally, the lambs should be fed more frequently when they are younger, and as they get older the amount of milk per feeding is increased, while the frequency of feedings is reduced (usually to 2). Lambs generally need to consume 10 to 20 percent of their body weight per day. More frequent feedings will help to prevent overeating and bloat. When hand rearing lambs, it is important to have a consistent feeding schedule. Small numbers of lambs can be fed using individual bottles fitted with rubber teats. Pritchard teats are especially popular for feeding lambs. A nipple bucket can also be used to feed multiple lambs. For larger numbers of lambs, an automatic feeding station can be set up. Biotic markets several automatic feeders (e.g. Lak-Tek) for lambs. Lambs will drink cold milk from a lamb bar at frequent intervals, much like they would if they were nursing their dam. An open vessel (bucket or trough) can also be used to feed fresh milk. Regardless of the feeding method utilized, hygiene is of primary importance. Feeding equipment should be cleaned frequently. Any unused milk should be refrigerated immediately or discarded. Management Lambs should be put in a warm, draft-free area for artificial rearing, ideally away from sight and hearing distance of the ewes. Small groups of lambs are usually best. Lambs of significantly different ages should not be mixed. A light over the pen will encourage feeding. In order to wean lambs at an early age, it is essential to get them consuming dry feed as soon as possible. The feed that is fed to nursing lambs is called creep feed. Creep feed should be highly palatable and digestible. It should contain 18 to 20 percent all-natural crude protein. Young lambs will consume more feed if is coarsely ground, though a pelleted ration may also be fed. Soybean meal makes a good starter feed. Particle size is small, and it is very palatable. It is a good idea to include a coccidiostat in the feed. Ample, fresh water should be available at all times. There are differing opinions as to whether artificially-reared lambs should be offered hay. A common practice is to wait until lambs are about three weeks old before feeding them any hay. Hay, especially alfalfa, can cause bloat. Some producers do not feed hay until after weaning. Lambs should be vaccinated for overeating disease and tetanus by the time they are six weeks of age, followed by a booster three to four weeks later. They should be vaccinated earlier (3 to 4 weeks of age), if they did not receive adequate protection through the colostrum. Earlier vaccinations may not be effective due to the immature immune system of young lambs. It may be advisable to give other injections, such as vitamin A-D-E, iron dextran, and selenium/vitamin E. Weaning There are numerous reasons why early weaning is recommended for artificially-reared lambs. Milk replacer is expensive. Hand feeding is labor intensive. Artificially-reared lambs are at increased risk for various health problems, especially digestive disturbances. Six weeks is the most common weaning age for artificially-reared lambs. Weaning at 30 days of age is common with dairy lambs and is possible if the lambs are big enough and are consuming adequate dry feed. At weaning, lambs should weigh at least 25 to 30 pounds or approximately 3 times their birth weight. Weaning should generally be abrupt, and lambs should be left in familiar surroundings at the time of weaning to minimize stress. They may initially lose some weight, but eventually they will regain the weight as a result of compensatory gain. If orphan lambs are properly fed and managed, they should gain similarly as lambs being raised on their dams. However, it is important to understand that artificially-reared lambs are often more vulnerable to diseases, such as coccidia, worms, and pneumonia, especially if their start-in-life was compromised.

SOME KEY POINTSDocking improves the health and welfare of sheep and lambs (of wooled breeds).The need for docking varies; not all lambs need to be docked.Docking should be done early in life, ideally with pain relief.Docked tails should be left long enough to cover the vulva in ewes and anus in rams.The need for castration varies: not all ram lambs need to be castrated.Castration should be done early in life, ideally with pain relief.Docking is when the tail is shortened. Castration is when the testicles are removed or destroyed. Both are routine management practices on most sheep farms in the United States and many other countries. According to the last NAHMS Study (2010), 78.6 percent of US sheep operations docked lambs; 81.5 percent of lambs were docked. Three quarters of US sheep operations castrated their ram lambs. The average age of castration was 24.7 days. A new NAHMS study was conducted in 2024. Results are pending.DockingDocking usually improves the health and welfare of sheep and lambs. It prevents fecal matter from accumulating on the tail and hindquarters of the animal. Research has shown that tail docking reduces the risk of fly strike (wool maggots), while having no ill effects on lamb mortality or production. Docking facilitates shearing and crutching. It makes it easier to observe the ewe's vulva and udder and detect potential birthing and milking problems.Some markets (lamb buyers) discriminate against tailed lambs, since having a tail lowers the dressing percentage (yield) of the lamb. Lambs with tails may have higher rates of contamination during the slaughter process. On the other hand, ethnic buyers of lambs often prefer undocked lambs. For the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice, unblemished lambs are usually preferred. An unblemished lamb is one that has not been docked, castrated, or had its horns removed.Not all sheep require tail docking. Because hair sheep lambs do not have long, wooly tails, it is usually not necessary to shorten their tails, though it is common to dock tails of some of the "woolier" (shedding breeds), such as Dorper. Lambs from the Northern European short-tail breeds also do not require docking. Fat-tailed sheep are usually not docked.Table: Sheep breeds that do not usually require dockingHair sheepRat-tail American BlackbellyBarbados BlackbellyDamaraDorperKatahdinPelibüeyRoyal White®Santa InêsSt. AugustineSt. CroixWest AfricanEast FriesianFinnsheepGotlandIcelandicRomanovSoayShetlandSome producers of wooled lambs do not dock their lambs or they only dock the ewe lambs. If lambs are sold at a young age and/or their hindquarters can be kept clean, it may be possible to leave their tails on, without affecting their health and hygiene. Wooled lambs that go to pasture generally require docking, as high moisture forage plants usually loosen the stools. It is natural for sheep to have tails. Tails do not interfere with breeding or lambing. The tail protects the ewe's vulva and udder from weather extremes. To some extent, sheep use their tails to scatter their feces. The length of a lamb's tail is usually midway between the length of its two parents' tails. Scientists are trying to breed wooled sheep with short tails that do not require docking (thus, have less risk of flystrike). The best way to do this is to crossbreed with breeds with naturally short tails. Tail length is one of the most heritable traits in sheep; about 60 percent according to recent studies. BandingThe easiest and most common method of tail docking is to apply a rubber ring (or band) to the tail using an elastrator or ring extender. Banding is a bloodless method of tail docking. The band cuts off the blood supply to the tail, causing the tail to atrophy and fall off in several weeks. It is a good practice to cut the tail off before it falls off, as some tails seem to linger for a long time. Banding causes some pain to the lamb, but the pain is generally short-lived. Pain varies by lamb and may have to do with placement of the band, on or between vertebrae.  The Callicrate Wee Bander™ has been advocated as a more humane method of banding tails, as it utilizes higher tension banding. However, there is no research to support this claim. The pain of banding can be reduced if a clamp (Burdizzo) is applied across the tail immediately distal to the ring. The use of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, can be used to reduce the pain felt by the lamb. Nowadays, you can purchase castration bands that slowly release lidocaine. In a recently published Canadian study, lambs banded with lidocaine-infused rings showed fewer painful behavior responses (immediately after banding) and had indications of less inflammation compared to lambs docked with unmedicated bands.Lambs should be at least 24 hours old before bands are applied; otherwise, banding may interfere with dam-offspring bonding and colostrum intake. Bands should be applied during the lamb's first week of life. In fact, there is a law in the United Kingdom that restricts banding to the first week of a lamb's life. Though not mandated, producers in the US and other countries are encouraged to follow this practice. When bands are used to dock tails, it is very important that lambs be protected against tetanus (clostridium tetani; lockjaw), as the rubber ring creates an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment that is favorable to the tetanus organism. If the lamb's dam was not vaccinated or her vaccination status is unknown, the tetanus anti-toxin can be administered at the time of tail docking. The anti-toxin provides immediate short-term immunity whereas tetanus toxoid, while longer lasting, takes 10 days to 2 weeks to elicit any immune response and requires a booster for full effect.Other tail docking methodsAn electric docking iron cuts and cauterizes the tail simultaneously and is probably the most humane method of tail docking. It can be used on "older" lambs, up to 6 weeks of age. It is more commonly used by larger producers who batch process lambs. An emasculator has both a cutting and crushing mechanism. It can be used for tail docking. The crushing mechanism seals the blood vessels on the tail remaining on the lamb, while the cutting edge effectively removes the tail. The emasculator should be left on the tail for approximately 30 seconds to help prevent bleeding.A Burdizzo is similar to an emasculator except it does not have a cutting mechanism. A knife should be used to cut off the tail (inside the Burdizzo). A "baby" (9 in.) Burdizzo should be used for lambs. It is not recommended that tails be cut off with a knife or scalpel, as this technique can cause excessive bleeding. It is also the most painful method tail docking. A knife or scalpel should not be used to dock a lamb. How long?There is some disagreement with regards to how long the docked tail should be. In the United Kingdom, it is a law that the tail stub (dock) be left long enough to cover the ewe's vulva and ram's anus. Most other countries follow similar practices. It is good advice. The American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, and American Sheep Industry Association all recommend that lamb tails be removed no shorter than the distal end of the caudal tail fold. Tails docked shorter than this may result in an increased incidence of rectal prolapses among lambs fed concentrate diets. This is because short-tail docking damages the muscles and nerves used by the lamb's anus.Ultra-short tail docking may also contribute to the incidence of vaginal prolapses, though there is no research data to support this claim. However, New Zealand researchers found that short-docked ewes suffered higher rates of carcinoma of the vulva. Regardless, there is no justification for ultra-short tail docking for cosmetic reasons.All lambs should be docked by the time they are 6 weeks old. If older lambs and mature sheep are to be docked, the procedure should be performed by a veterinarian using general anesthesia. Though banded lambs are most vulnerable, immunity from tetanus is recommended for all docking methods.CastratingThe need for castration varies and is based on the management needs of the farm and preference of the market place. Ram lambs grow faster and have better body composition than wether lambs, and when ram lambs are marketed at a young age (less than 6 months), commercial lamb buyers usually do not discriminate in price. In fact, ethnic lamb buyers often prefer intact (or entire) males and usually pay a premium for them. Rams are almost always preferred for the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice, one of the biggest markets for sheep and lambs.It is usually not necessary to castrate ram lambs for the freezer (or locker) trade or when selling lamb directly to consumers, as there is no significant difference in the taste or tenderness of the meat from a young ram lamb versus a wether or ewe lamb. Older rams may have a slight taste difference and may not be as desirable for direct marketing. On the other hand, some consumers may prefer the taste of a male.During harvest, it can be more difficult to remove the pelt (skin) from a ram lamb, especially one that has started to develop secondary sex characteristics. Ram lambs are typically dirtier at the time of slaughter. It may be advisable to castrate ram lambs that cannot be marketed by the time they are six months old.Wether lambs are easier to manage and eliminate the possibilities of early and/or unwanted pregnancies. When ram lambs are kept intact, it is necessary to wean and separate them from their dams and female pen (or pasture) mates by the time they are around 4 months of age (earlier or later depending on breed) . If this cannot be done, ram lambs should be castrated. There are not many producers that have not had ewes bred "accidentally" by ram lambs.Male lambs sold for grazing or as pets should be castrated as they will be easier to manage or safer to be around. Male sheep utilized for public interaction should always be castrated and at a young age to prevent later behavior issues. BandingAs with tail docking, there are many techniques that can be used to castrate ram lambs. The easiest and most common method of castration is to put a rubber ring or band around the scrotum. Using an elastrator tool (or ring extender), the band is placed above the testicles, around the neck of the lamb's scrotum. Care should be taken not to place the band over the lamb's rudimentary teats. Banding will cause the testicles and scrotum to shrivel up and fall off in a few weeks. As with docking, the shriveled scrotum may be removed before it falls off. Both testicles must be below the placement of the band. If one testicle is missed, it will be retained in the belly cavity, resulting in a "bucky" lamb that will have male characteristics.Castration by banding causes pain to the lamb, but the pain is generally short-lived. Lambs should be castrated at a young age, preferably between 1 and 7 days of age. Castration in the first 24 hours may interfere with bonding and colostrum intake and is not recommended. As with tail docking, pain can be reduced if a clamp (using Burdizzo) is applied immediately before or after application of the ring. Lidocaine can be used to reduce the pain felt by the lamb. As with docking, bands infused with lidocaine can be used for castration. Banding scrotums causes a similar tetanus risk as tail banding.Surgical castrationThe testicles may be surgically removed. With this method, a sharp knife or scalpel is used to remove the bottom one-third of the scrotal sac. The testicles are removed and the wound is allowed to drain and heal naturally. Sometimes, people use their teeth to remove the tiny testicles. It is essential that proper aseptic technique be used when the surgical method of castration is used.According to research conducted in the UK, surgical castration is the most painful method of castration, as lambs surgically castrated have higher amounts of cortisol in their bloodstream compared to lambs castrated using other methods. Surgical castration also has the greatest potential for bleeding, infection, and fly infestation (maggots). Surgical castration should only be done before or after fly season. Other methods are favored over surgical castration.EmasculatorA Burdizzo (emasculatome) is a tool that is used to crush the spermatic cord, which crushes the blood vessels, thus depriving the testicles of blood supply and causing them to shrivel up and die. The Burdizzo does not break the skin. Each cord should be crushed separately. The cattle-size Burdizzo should not be used to castrate lambs. The baby Burdizzo should be used.Other methodsThere is an "All-in-One" tool that can be used to perform surgical castrations. The teeth of the All-in-One tool are used to grab the testicles after cutting off the bottom one third of the scrotum with the scissors portion of the tool. So far, chemical castration has not proven to be effective or practical.The Callicrate Bander™ is another option for castration. It utilizes high tension banding and has been advocated for delayed castration. There are also claims that the Callicrate Bander™ is more humane than traditional banding. However, Australian research showed that the Callicrate "Wee" Bander™ did not reduced pain in 10 week old lambs. In fact, their research showed that it may be more painful early after castration.It is generally recommended that lambs should be castrated by the time they are six weeks of age. In the United Kingdom, veterinarians must perform all castrations in ram lambs over 3 months of age. Though banded lambs are most vulnerable, immunity from tetanus is recommended for all castration methods.Short-scrotum ramsAn alternative to castrating is to make short-scrotum ram. A short scrotum ram is a ram whose testicles have been pushed up into the body cavity and had its scrotum removed. It is the same as a cryptorchid. The band is placed below the testicles. The scrotum will atrophy and fall off.Less pain is associated with making a short scrotum 'ram' versus a wether lamb. It is also easier to do. As compared to wether lambs, short scrotum "rams" grow faster and produce leaner carcasses. Though they still retain their testicles, short scrotum rams are usually infertile, because they lack the thermoregulation necessary for spermatogenesis. For spermatogenesis to occur there must be a several degree temperature difference between the testicles and body.The probability of sterility is increased, if the procedure is performed at a young age (less than 10 days). Low fertility has been observed in short scrotum rams that were castrated at older ages. It is important to note that short-scrotum rams will still demonstrate male behavior, as their testicles still produce testosterone, the hormone responsible for male characteristics. It is also still possible for them to impregnate a ewe. The short scrotum procedure greatly reduces fertility, but it does not eliminate it.

SOME KEY POINTS There are pros and cons to different weaning ages. The best time to wean depends on many factors. Early weaning (< 90 days) is more common with intensively raised sheep that are creep fed and finished on concentrate diets. Late weaning (> 90 days) is more common with spring lambing and pasture-rearing of lambs. Artificially-reared lambs are usually weaned earlier than dam-raised lambs. Weaning is a crucial time in the management of ewes and lambs. It is when lambs are no longer allowed to nurse their dams and consume a milk diet. With the exception of artificially-reared lambs, weaning also involves separation from the dam. After weaning, lambs may consume forage, grain-based, or mixed diets. Weaning is stressful for both ewes and lambs. Thus, minimizing the stress at weaning and easing the transition are important goals. When to wean There is no "best" age to wean. Weaning age varies greatly in the US sheep industry and around the world. According to the most recent NAHMS survey, it averages about 4 months. The "best" time to wean depends upon many factors including facilities, availability of pasture and other feed supplies, and target market(s). Lambs have been weaned successfully as early as 14 days, though this is rare and not recommended. The other "extreme" is to allow lambs to wean naturally, keeping with their dams for six months or more. Some lambs are sent to market at the same time they are weaned. Early in life, the lamb cannot digest anything but milk. Soon after birth, it begins nibbling on dry feed. By three weeks of age, its developing rumen makes the lamb more efficient at converting feed than the ewe. Typically, the ewe's milk production peaks 3 to 4 weeks after lambing and steadily declines to about half as much by 10 weeks. About 74 percent of all milk is produced in the first 8 weeks of lactation. Dairy ewes tend to have a flatter lactation curve, producing more milk over a longer period of time. Early Weaning Early weaning usually means weaning at any time after 21 days of age, but usually before 90 days. Sixty (range 45 to 70) days is a common weaning age in intensively managed sheep operations. It is common to wean lambs in a dairy sheep operation when they are 30 to 35 days of age. Early weaning can be successful, provided lambs are drinking water and consuming adequate amounts of dry feed, at least 0.5 pounds per day, preferably 1 pound. Creep feeding is an important part of early weaning programs. It is generally not recommended that pasture-reared lambs be weaned before they are 90 days old, preferably 120 days. The size of the lamb at weaning is generally more important than its actual age. As a rule of thumb, most lambs can be weaned at 60 days of age or 45 pounds, whichever comes first. Of course, this will vary by breed. Lambs don't need to get as big for the smaller, slower-growing breeds. Another rule of thumb is three times the birth weight. Early weaning offers many advantages. Weaned lambs are very efficient converters of feed to lean tissue. It is usually more efficient to feed grain to lambs than ewes because lambs will convert feed to gain more efficiently than the ewes can convert the feed to milk to lamb gain. Early weaning eases the lactation stress of high-producing ewes, especially young ewes. It allows ewes to return to breeding condition earlier, which is essential for accelerated lambing programs. Weaning lambs early and placing them in dry lot for finishing saves pasture and enables the producer to maintain more ewes on a given amount of land. Lambs fed in dry lot are spared the risk of worms and predators. In drought years, early weaning is a common strategy. With early weaning, cull ewes can be sold earlier, sometimes for higher prices. Lambs are usually marketed earlier in the year, when prices are usually higher. However, early weaning is more stressful to both the ewe and lambs. Ewes are more prone to mastitis because they are still producing milk when their lambs are removed. Lambs are more stressed, thus more susceptible to disease, if not managed properly. Orphan Lambs Orphan lambs are a special case. Early weaning should always be the goal. Artificially-reared lambs can be successfully weaned from a milk diet at 25 to 30 pounds body weight or when they are 30 to 42 days old. Weaning abruptly is better than offering a diluted milk replacer the last week. However, orphan lambs should not be weaned unless they are consuming significant quantities of dry feed. Some producers delay hay feeding until after weaning, so the lambs don't bloat on high quality forage. Orphan lambs will probably do better in a dry lot than on pasture, unless the pasture diet is supplemented. Late Weaning Without intervention, weaning occurs naturally at approximately 6 months of age. In a temperate climate that is usually the fall when the ewes begin returning to estrus. Spring-born lambs are usually weaned later than winter-born and fall-born lambs. In fact, it is not uncommon to leave spring-born lambs with their dams on pasture until they are ready for market. Four months is a typical late weaning age. There are several advantages to late weaning. It is more natural and results in less stress for the ewe and lambs. There is less risk of the ewe developing mastitis since her milk production has declined significantly by the time the lambs are removed. Late weaning allows the producer to take advantage of available forage for lambs. It enables the producer to keep ewes and lambs in the same management group. Pasture gains can be more economical than those achieved in a pen-feeding situation. On the other hand, lambs must compete with ewes for the available forage, especially high quality forage. They are also more likely to become infected with worm larvae and develop clinical signs of parasitism, sometimes even die. It is been recently learned that OPP (ovine progressive pneumonia) is transferred mostly laterally, from adult ewes to ewe lamb replacements. Early weaning will assist with OPP control. Predator problems are greater when lambs are pastured. If male lambs will be left with their dams past 3 to 4 months of age, they should be castrated. Castrated rams do not grow as fast as intact males. The short-scrotum procedure offers an alternative to castration (testicle removal) and may allow males to be co-mingled with their dams and female offspring, with little risk of breeding. Preventing Mastitis The main concern at weaning for ewes is to prevent mastitis problems. Ewes with spoiled udders have reduced or no production value in future years. The easiest way to prevent mastitis is to halt milk production. Approximately two weeks before weaning, grain should be removed from the ewes' diet. If possible, you should feed a low quality forage prior to weaning. Feeding straw the last 2 to 3 days before weaning further shuts down lactation. After weaning, ewes should be maintained on low quality feed for 3 to 7 days to assist ewes in drying up. Some producers withhold or restrict water intake before and after weaning. However, removing water from the ewes' diet during hot weather can be dangerous and is not recommended. Ewes should not be turned out to lush pasture immediately after weaning. Spring forage is high in protein, water, and other nutrients which promote milk production. Ewes should closely monitored for signs of mastitis. Ewes with mastitis should be given veterinary care. Ewes with spoiled udders should be culled. Weaning Environment Generally, weaning is more stressful for lambs than ewes. At weaning, the lambs are challenged not only by being separated from their mothers, but also by their need to fend for themselves nutritionally. Their immune systems are not fully developed, and they are more susceptible to disease, especially internal parasites (worms + coccidia). When weaning, the ewes should be removed from the lambs, not vice versa. By leaving lambs in the same location, they will experience less stress and are less likely to go off feed because they will know where the feeders, minerals, and water are. It has generally recommended that ewes and lambs be kept far enough apart that they can't hear each other. It is important to maintain the same groupings during weaning, e.g. keep siblings together. Newly weaned lambs should have plenty of clean, fresh water at all times. Lambs should be kept on the same feed before and after weaning until the stress of weaning has past (7-10 days). Feeds containing urea should not be fed for at least 2 weeks past weaning. Lambs weaned at 10 weeks of age will recognize and return to their dams after 2 months of separation. After weaning, twins will stay together for the first few days. Newly-weaned lambs should be closely monitored for health problems. Coccidiosis is most common in weanling lambs. Weaned lambs are also highly susceptible to worm parasites, as they lack immunity. Enterotoxemia (overeating disease type D) is more common in early weaned lambs. It can be prevented with vaccination. Lambs from vaccinated dams should receive their first vaccination for type D at approximately 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster 2 to 4 weeks later. All vaccinations should be given prior to weaning. Low stress weaning Creep feeding reduces the stress of weaning, especially early weaning. With cattle, the stress of weaning has been reduced by allowing the cow and calf to have fenceline contact. However, this practice does not seem to have the same beneficial effect on lambs. On the other hand, a two-stage weaning process has been shown to reduce the weaning stress. In the two-stage weaning process, lambs are prevented from suckling for one week prior to separation from their dams. Traditional weaning usually involves abrupt separation of ewes and lambs. An Australian company (www.easywean.com.au) markets a "nose ring" or anti-sucking device that prevents lambs from nursing (the ewe rejects attempts to suckle), which dries up the ewe's lactation while maintaining the maternal bond and allowing ewes and lambs to be managed as a single mob. The ring is a plastic device that clips into the partition between the lamb's nostrils. It should stay on for 2 weeks to allow the ewe's lactation to dry up. The rings are reusable and 90 percent effective. They reduce weaning stress and enhance animal performance. They do not prevent the lamb from grazing. Lambs should be weighed around the time of weaning in order to calculate adjusted weaning weights (60, 90 or 120-day). Lambs with the highest adjusted weaning weights should be favored for breeding. Ewes that wean the heaviest litters will make the most money and should be favored in breeding and selection decisions. Weaning weights are indicative of a ewe's performing ability and one of the most important traits determining profitability of the sheep enterprise. Post-weaning weights are more indicative of the sire's influence on growth. They are important, but less important than maternal producing ability.