protocols lambing management health

Main Protocols 2021 - Preparation for Lambing

Comprehensive protocol for proper lambing preparation: nutrition, vaccinations, environmental conditions, and lamb management

Sheeping Professional Team •

General Overview

The original growing protocols were written as an initiative of the Sheep Breeders Association. Since 2012, when the original protocol was written, many changes have been introduced into the professional routine in the industry. The current document aims to implement these changes and add missing points and procedures that the original protocol did not address.

Activities are organized by different professional topics. To present the subject in an easy-to-navigate and clear way for implementation, we chose four main topics, with each topic appearing in a separate chapter.

The Four Main Topics:

  • Young stock rearing
  • Flock exit points
  • Preparation for lambing
  • Breeding control

Chapter 3 - Preparation for Lambing

Timeline for Lambing Preparation

Day 75 - Transition to Dry Period Ration

  • Transition to dry period ration at 75 days of pregnancy
  • Timely drying off, so that by day 86 of pregnancy ewes will be completely dry

Days 90-100 - Veterinary Treatments

  • Injection of antibiotics or vaccination
  • In consultation with the treating veterinarian
  • Rota/Corona/E. coli 99 vaccination in collaboration with the treating veterinarian

Day 100 - Transition to Pre-Lambing Ration

  • Transition to pre-lambing preparation ration from day 100 of pregnancy

Day 111 (5 Weeks Before Lambing)

  • Gradual transition to rich concentrate (milking ration)

5-6 Weeks Before Lambing

  • Cull the animals
  • Culling 6 weeks before lambing

Environmental Preparation - Last Two Weeks

Disinfection and Space

  • Ensure entry to a disinfected place (burning or disinfection with appropriate material)
  • Wide variety of materials available on the market
  • Ensure spacious and ventilated place
  • Not too hot
  • With access to feed for all animals simultaneously

Nutritional Supplements for Ketosis Prevention

Available Molasses Types:

  • Energy Las by Aharon Shorer
  • Coprolin
  • Sweetlac
  • Propylene Glycol (diluted in water)

Recommended Dosage:

  • 70 grams per head per day of Coprolin or Sweetlac for ketosis prevention

Lambing Process Management

Staff and Monitoring

  • Ensure worker presence during night hours for:
    • Receiving lambings
    • Colostrum feeding
    • Recording
    • Theft prevention

Care for Newborn Lamb

  1. Weighing
  2. Lamb recording
  3. Computer reporting

Milking Group Management

Transfer to Milking Group:

  • Transfer to milking group
  • Milk colostrum according to recommendations
  • At least 2-3 days
  • To separate container designated for lambs only

If Dry Treatment Was Used:

  • Concentrate lambing ewes in separate group
  • Release to milking group only after Delvotest check
  • Confirming absence of inhibitors

In Meat Flock:

  • Entry to lambing pens to create mother-lamb bond
  • Colostrum milking close to lambing

Advanced Nutrition - Final Weeks

  • Whole grains and soy
  • Level of 400 grams of excellent legume meal
  • Limit amount of poor or medium quality coarse feed
  • Ensure vitamins and minerals in ration

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Lambing Preparation

Environmental Conditions:

  • Ensure cool and spacious place
  • Access to fresh and cool water
  • Care for summer ration
  • Not to harm milk solids percentage
  • Not to harm animal health

Summer Nutritional Supplements:

  • Provide various types of molasses:
    • Energy Las by Aharon Shorer
    • Coprolin
    • Sweetlac
    • Propylene Glycol (diluted in water)
  • Recommended amount for ketosis prevention: 70 grams per head per day

Key Points Summary

Critical Timeline

  1. Day 75: Transition to dry ration
  2. Day 86: Complete drying
  3. Days 90-100: Vaccinations and treatments
  4. Day 100: Transition to preparation ration
  5. Day 111: Transition to rich concentrate
  6. Last two weeks: Glycerin/molasses
  7. 6 weeks before: Culling

Nutrition

  • Gradual transition between rations
  • Glycerin supplement for ketosis prevention
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Free access to quality feed

Health

  • Timely vaccinations
  • Lambing area disinfection
  • Veterinary monitoring
  • Inhibitor testing before release to milking

Management

  • Labor planning
  • Accurate recording
  • Group separation
  • Proper colostrum management

Protocol Importance

Proper lambing preparation is critical for:

Maternal Health:

  • Prevention of pregnancy toxemia
  • Prevention of udder edema
  • Prevention of mastitis
  • Quick recovery after lambing

Lamb Health:

  • Quality colostrum
  • Passive immunity
  • High survival rate
  • Normal growth

Milk Production:

  • Optimal lactation start
  • Quick rise to peak
  • Sustained high yield
  • Good milk quality

Economic Efficiency:

  • Reduced mortality
  • Reduced treatments
  • Optimal production
  • Improved profitability

Practical Tips

Advance Planning

  • Prepare lambing area two weeks ahead
  • Order nutritional supplements on time
  • Coordinate with veterinarian for vaccinations
  • Prepare equipment and supplies

Daily Monitoring

  • Check animal body condition
  • Monitor feed intake
  • Measure place temperature
  • Early problem identification

Recording and Documentation

  • Document vaccination dates
  • Record ration transitions
  • Document lambings
  • Track colostrum

Communication

  • Update staff
  • Train night workers
  • Coordinate with suppliers
  • Contact with consultants

Preventing Common Problems

Pregnancy Toxemia

  • Prevention: Proper nutrition, glycerin, close monitoring
  • Early Detection: Decreased appetite, depression
  • Treatment: Immediate veterinary consultation

Udder Edema

  • Prevention: Gradual feeding, avoid heat
  • Identification: Udder swelling, fever
  • Treatment: Frequent milking, veterinary treatment

Lambing Difficulties

  • Prevention: Proper body condition, environmental conditions
  • Identification: Abnormal behavior, prolonged labor
  • Treatment: Veterinary assistance

Nutritional Requirements

Energy Requirements

As pregnancy progresses, energy requirements increase dramatically:

  • Day 100-110: 1.5x maintenance
  • Day 110-120: 2x maintenance
  • Day 120-146: 2.5x maintenance

Protein Requirements

Protein needs also increase:

  • Mid pregnancy: 12-14% crude protein
  • Late pregnancy: 14-16% crude protein
  • Quality matters: Ensure bypass protein availability

Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation

Critical minerals and vitamins:

  • Calcium: For milk production and lamb skeletal development
  • Phosphorus: Proper Ca:P ratio (2:1 to 2.5:1)
  • Selenium and Vitamin E: Immune function and white muscle disease prevention
  • Vitamin A: Fetal development and immune function

Environmental Management

Housing Requirements

  • Space: Minimum 2-2.5 m² per ewe
  • Ventilation: Fresh air without drafts
  • Temperature: Optimal 10-15°C, avoid extremes
  • Bedding: Clean, dry, absorbent

Lambing Pen Setup

  • Individual pens: 1.5-2 m² for mother-lamb bonding
  • Group pens: For ewes with established lambs
  • Lighting: Good visibility for monitoring
  • Water access: Clean, fresh water always available

Summary

A proper lambing preparation protocol is the foundation for success in sheep farming. Adherence to timings, appropriate nutrition, correct veterinary treatments, and optimal environmental conditions will ensure smooth lambing, healthy lambs, and successful lactation start.

The protocol should be adapted to the specific conditions of each farm, with ongoing consultation with a nutritionist and veterinarian.

Additional Resources

For optimal results:

  • Regular body condition scoring
  • Monitor feed intake daily
  • Keep detailed lambing records
  • Review and adjust protocols annually
  • Attend industry workshops and training
  • Network with other successful producers

Success in lambing preparation comes from attention to detail and consistent application of proven protocols.