Hypothermia and Hypoglycemia of small ruminant neonates

What must lambs maintain at birth?

Must maintain body temperature at birth

What is the normal body temperature of a newborn lamb?

102.2 – 104 F

What is the body temperature of a newborn lamb in mild-moderate hypothermia?

98.6 to 102.2 F

What is the body temperature of a newborn lamb in severe hypothermia?

Less 98.6 F

What are risk factors for developing hypothermia? (lambs)

• Increased body surface area – small lambs, multiples more at risk

• Coat insulation – thin coat lambs more at risk

• Drafty conditions/environment

• Maternal care – how quick does the ewe dry the lamb

What are some ways to prevent hypothermia?

• Indoor lambing

• Observation of lambing

• Short lambing season (decreases labor needs)

• Excellent maternal nutrition – to maximize placental size

• Improves lamb birthweight

• Ensure colostrum intake.

What are some mechanisms to maintain body temperature in lambs?

• The lamb uses brown fat stores to generate energy and maintain body temperature - Initiated by oxygen intake and colostrum ingestion

• Brown fat is laid down during pregnancy - Poor ewe nutrition = small lamb with little brown fat reserves, A small weak lamb may be slow to nurse thus no kick start of brown fat metabolism

• Once brown fat is utilized, the lamb must get energy from milk to provide heat

How fast can brown fat stores be used up?

They can be used up within 5-12 hours after birth

What happens if the lamb does not get energy from milk?

Then the lamb is at risk for hypothermia and hypoglycemia

What are some potential reasons a lamb may not get energy from milk?

Ewe doesn’t produce enough milk; mastitis; competition from siblings; weak lamb

What is hypoglycemia?

Low blood glucose

How do you treat hypothermia/hypoglycemia?

• Goal: provide warmth and nutrition

Tube feed colostrum - 50 mL/kg

• Important: if the lamb is unresponsive and can’t swallow, it needs to be warmed and provided glucose via injection before tube feeding occurs

• Warm lamb with circulating air as opposed to direct heat

What supplies are needed for Orogastric Intubation?

• Red rubber catheter

• Catheter tip syringe

What is needed prior to performing Orogastric intubation?

Proper training necessary before attempting this procedure

What is an important potential complication of Orogastric intubation to consider?

The tube can potentially enter the lungs and if glucose is pushed in this situation it will kill the lamb

What is Intraperitoneal glucose administration?

An injection of glucose directly into the stomach, typically performed in situations where the lamb is to weak to even swallow an orogastric tube

Can producers be trained to perform Intraperitoneal glucose administration?

Yes