Preparation is key to problem-free lambing

Mar 1 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

I REALISE that quite a few people will be in the thick of their lambing at present, but the vast majority have yet to start and so this month we will look at the preparations that should be taking place.

Time is never wasted in preparation and having basic equipment to hand may save lives, when lambing starts. So this month I have decided to list many of the things you should be considering.

A clean area should be designated for the storage of the equipment, a good supply of hot water is essential and a recording area where the medicines book and lambing records can be stored and easily accessed.

Basic equipment should include:

1) Clean buckets, soap and clean towels. You may not need to see your vet much, but it is amazing how often these basics have to be requested, and are not present when we are called.

2) General purpose disinfectant (for pens, buildings, etc).

3) Non-irritant antiseptic (for use with animals).

4) Lubricant gel or powder (preferably both). I cannot recommend the use of washing-up liquid as I personally find it complicates matters and is unpleasant to work with.

5) Infra-red lamps.

6) Disposable arm-length gloves (difficult to work with but latex examination gloves placed over the hand after the plastic make use easier).

7) Lambing ropes and snares (these require cleaning and disinfection between lambings). If twine is used, a fresh piece should be used for each lambing.

8) Lamb feeder/stomach tube.

9) Thermometer.

10) Stock marker or spray.

11) Syringes and hypodermic needles.

Medicines, etc (if you have any queries about these, your vet will be able to help you).

a) Frozen colostrum (sheep or goat is best, preferably from animals vaccinated against Clostridial diseases). Cow colostrum can be used but there may be problems. Colostrum ‘substitute’ is also available, but may only be useful as a supplement.

b) Navel spray/dip, eg, tincture of iodine, antibiotic spray.

c) Oral electrolyte solutions.

d) Twin lamb disease drench.

e) Metabolic disease solutions (Ca, Mg, glucose).

f) Oral antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of ‘Watery Mouth’.

g) Antibiotic injection.

(f and g are prescription only medicines, other products in this category are available which aid in reducing mortality and it is useful to consult your vet about these.)

These lists are not exhaustive but I hope they will give a basic checklist of requirements. Please also remember that in-feed medications such as for the prevention of coccidiosis require a Medicated Feeding Stuffs prescription.