What is important in the first hours after birth?

After birth it is important that the lamb:

• drinks within 1 to 2 hours: the first milk (colostrum) contains essential antibodies
• stays warm: especially in cold weather a lamb can become hypothermic quickly
• is accepted by the ewe or goat: check whether the lamb is licked clean and fed
• is active and alert: healthy lambs stand up quickly and are curious

Pay attention to lethargy, drooping ears or a hollow belly: this may indicate a shortage of colostrum or a health problem.

Vaccination of pregnant ewes and goats

Good preparation starts before birth. By vaccinating pregnant animals in time, lambs are protected via the colostrum against serious infections. Important vaccinations are:

• Against “Lamb dysentery” (Clostridium perfringens type B): this vaccination prevents bleeding in the intestines in lambs.
• Against summer pneumonia (Pasteurellosis): this vaccination protects against respiratory infections in lambs.

These vaccines are usually administered 4 to 6 weeks before lambing. This increases the antibodies in the colostrum.

Q fever: important for public farms

For farms that receive visitors, vaccination against Q fever is mandatory (for dairy goats and dairy sheep). Q fever is a zoonosis (a disease that can be transmitted to humans) and can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, elderly people and people with a low resistance.

As a farm with public activities it is essential to:

• Vaccinate all lactating animals preventively
• Take good hygiene measures during lambing days for visitors

Obstetric assistance: when should you intervene?

Most ewes and goats deliver their lambs without problems. Provide a calm environment and offer enough feed and water. But stay alert: sometimes obstetric assistance is needed.

When should you help?

• You see membranes or little legs, but after 2 hours there is still no lamb
• The birth does not progress any further within 1 hour

How to help hygienically and safely:

• Use gloves, warm water, disinfectant and lubricant
• Work carefully in order not to damage the uterus and birth canal
• Disinfect the navel within 15 minutes after birth
• Check whether the lamb gets enough colostrum; if in doubt you can supplement with colostrum replacer or IBR free cow colostrum

If you do not know what you should do, always contact your veterinarian.

Deworming after lambing

After birth it is advisable to deworm the ewe or goat. Due to hormonal changes around lambing, worm larvae that are already present in the intestines can suddenly become active, which leads to an increased excretion of worm eggs. This can also infect the lambs.

Good deworming after birth therefore protects the entire flock.

Visiting lambs? Stick to the rules

At many farms you can come and see lambs in spring. This is fun and educational, but it also requires respect for the animals and the farm.

Tips for visitors:

• Always follow the farm rules: only feed the animals if this is allowed
• Do not just touch lambs: always ask for permission
• Enjoy from a distance: peace and space are important for mother animals
• Follow instructions from the farmer or guides: especially in petting areas or during tours

This way it remains enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Lambing season is a beautiful and intensive period in which the health of mother and lamb is central. Pay close attention to nutrition, hygiene, vaccination, obstetric assistance and deworming to give the lambs a good start.

As a visitor you can fully enjoy it, provided you show respect for the animals and their caretakers.

Do you have questions about supplements, nutrition or care of lambs or ewes? Then contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.