The second form occurs in association with climatic stresses, such as heavy snow or rain, with psychological stresses, such as transport on foot or by truck, or with other stresses, such as an outbreak of a minor disease.
In practice, an inadequate plane of nutrition is probably the most common factor in rendering ewes susceptible, but stress or a short period of going without feed frequently is the trigger for initiation of the disease. In fact, about 80 percent of the growth of the fetus occurs during the last six weeks of pregnancy; if twins are present, the increase in total weight is considerable. Although much is yet to be learned about pregnancy toxemia, the incident of the disease can be minimized by careful management and proper nutrition.
The total metabolic rate increases by at least 50 percent during late pregnancy. Multiple fetuses will tend to crowd the animals digestive system therefore limiting intake, this is where concentrates can help. One pound of corn or the equivalent of high energy concentrate should be fed daily during the last six weeks of pregnancy. Affected ewes stand apart from others in the flock, walk unsteadily, appear dull, and are usually off feed.
Vision may be impaired, and they show little fear of humans or dogs. Blindness often results, and eventually there can be convulsions, grinding of the teeth, labored respiration and usually a mucous discharge from the nose.
The mortality rate is about 80 percent, with death usually occurring in from two to 10 days. A shock-like state eventually occurs. Feed should never be withheld and transportation avoided if possible. Capacity of the liver to metabolize fat is not sufficient, and fat is metabolized into ketones, resulting in ketosis. Farm-O-San Pro-Keto is a dietetic feed that contains large amounts of glycogenic energy and is able to reduce the risk of ketosis.
Home Solutions About us Sales locations Contact us. Ruminants Sheep farming Ewe around lambing Negative energy balance. Identify the ewes at risk and manage the energy balance correctly. Negative energy balance in ewes During the last few weeks of sheep gestation, ewes are in negative energy balance.
Clinical signs of ketosis in sheep At first, the ewe will separate herself from the rest of the flock. Prevention of ketosis in sheep To prevent ketosis in sheep, it is important to identify the animals carrying twins or triplets, separate them and provide them with a diet that will meet their increased energy demands. Treatment of ketosis in sheep Ewes with clinical signs of ketosis should be treated twice daily with a product containing propylene glycol as well as vitamins and trace elements stimulating liver function.
Questions about sheep farming? Yes I agree with the terms and conditions. Farm-O-San solutions. Glucolac 40 Plus Product info for sheep farmers As a consequence of the higher energy requirement and a reduction in dry matter intake in the period before lambing, ewes can develop ketosis. Ewes in early stages of pregnancy toxemia will go off feed and appear lethargic. Their heads droop and they lag behind the rest of the flock and walk aimlessly. Teeth grinding and twitching is common. Eventually, affected ewes become depressed, weak and have poor muscle control.
In latter stages, they lie down and are unable to rise. If left untreated, coma and death result. Successful treatment of pregnancy toxemia requires early detection and steps to quickly meet the energy glucose needs of the affected ewe. The most common treatment is to drench ewes with 2 to 3 ounces of propylene glycol 2 to 3 times daily. Yogurt mixed with water will also provide energy. Intravenous glucose is another possibility, but harder for producers to do on the farm.
Antibiotics can be administered to prevent pneumonia. In advanced cases, a caesarian section may need to be performed to remove the fetuses and save the ewe's life.
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