lambing

Prior to lambing

full udder, swelling and relaxation of vulva, relaxation of pelvic girdle

stages of parturition

dilation for the cervix, expulsion of the fetus, expulsion of the placenta

Good lambing

front feet first then nose, may need to assist and readjust

Dystocia

difficulty giving birth

Lambing jug

small clean space for sheep to bond with baby

Lambing on the range

Sheep can lamb standing up, can identify lambs by scent and sight, lambs vocalize for mothers

ewe behavior

ewe stomp when predators are near, sheep are gregarious(social animals) and raise lambs together, flight animals, use number system to identify what lamb goes with what ewe

Lamb behavior-nursing

tail wiggling means lamb is getting milk, lambs choose a favorite side, there might be inadequate production of milk, or lamb being rejected

Supplemental feeding

starvation is the # cause of death in lambs, can be caused from inadequate colostrum, inadequate milk production, rejection from dam, injury, can use tube or bottle feeding to help

Appearance is key

head, down, ears dropping, too weak to stand