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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 119
Spider Syndrome:
Spider syndrome is a recessive, genetic disorder that seems to affect Suffolk and Hampshire sheep in particular, it has also been known in other black-faced breeds possibly as a result of crossbreeding with Suffolks. When this disorder is present, there are skeletal abnormalities such as splay leggedness hence the name "Spider Syndrome". If you decide to buy a ram of a black faced breed, make sure he has been DNA tested and free from the "s" gene that causes this disorder.
HOOF RELATED PROBLEMS AND CARE
Most foot diseases are preventable by proper, periodic hoof trimming. The best time to trim an animal's hoof is in the spring and autumn when hooves are still soft from wet weather or after a rainy season. The amount of hoof wear will depend on whether your soil conditions are mud, sand or gravel and whether your barn has a dirt or concrete floor. Hooves that are in good condition should be trimmed twice a year, but they may need to be trimmed more frequently, especially if you live in a wet climate.
Lameness:
Lameness is preventable, by trimming the feet each spring before turning sheep out on to a new pasture. Trim their feet again at shearing time or later on in the year. When hooves are left untrimmed they curl under on the side and pockets which is a home for moist mud and manure build-up, this creates an ideal environment for foot disease germs. Always make sure their bedding is dry during the winter, and keep sheep away from marshy pastures during wet months. It is advisable to change the location of feeding site every now and then to prevent accumulation of manure and muddy areas. A foot bath is a real plus and an important aspect when treating foot disorders and avoiding lameness in sheep.
Foot Examination - limping:
First, look for a lump of mud, a stone, or a sharp splinter caught between the toes on the sore hoof that may have caused a sheep to limp. If there is nothing there, then check the gland. Sheep have a deep gland between the two toes on each foot with a small opening on the top of the front of the hoof, when these gland become plugged with mud the secretion from the gland is retained and the result is lameness. Squeeze the gland, sometimes a fairly large blob of waxy substance pops out. If this is the case the problem is solved and the sheep should improve. However, if there is no evidence of a plugged gland or a foreign object try to discover what the problem may be. By now you have a good idea what a normal hoof should look like and can spot one that is diseased, if everything else looks good, check any injury, including cuts that might be the cause of the problem
Footbath, when using a footbath run the sheep through a trough of plain, clean
Spider syndrome is a recessive, genetic disorder that seems to affect Suffolk and Hampshire sheep in particular, it has also been known in other black-faced breeds possibly as a result of crossbreeding with Suffolks. When this disorder is present, there are skeletal abnormalities such as splay leggedness hence the name "Spider Syndrome". If you decide to buy a ram of a black faced breed, make sure he has been DNA tested and free from the "s" gene that causes this disorder.
HOOF RELATED PROBLEMS AND CARE
Most foot diseases are preventable by proper, periodic hoof trimming. The best time to trim an animal's hoof is in the spring and autumn when hooves are still soft from wet weather or after a rainy season. The amount of hoof wear will depend on whether your soil conditions are mud, sand or gravel and whether your barn has a dirt or concrete floor. Hooves that are in good condition should be trimmed twice a year, but they may need to be trimmed more frequently, especially if you live in a wet climate.
Lameness:
Lameness is preventable, by trimming the feet each spring before turning sheep out on to a new pasture. Trim their feet again at shearing time or later on in the year. When hooves are left untrimmed they curl under on the side and pockets which is a home for moist mud and manure build-up, this creates an ideal environment for foot disease germs. Always make sure their bedding is dry during the winter, and keep sheep away from marshy pastures during wet months. It is advisable to change the location of feeding site every now and then to prevent accumulation of manure and muddy areas. A foot bath is a real plus and an important aspect when treating foot disorders and avoiding lameness in sheep.
Foot Examination - limping:
First, look for a lump of mud, a stone, or a sharp splinter caught between the toes on the sore hoof that may have caused a sheep to limp. If there is nothing there, then check the gland. Sheep have a deep gland between the two toes on each foot with a small opening on the top of the front of the hoof, when these gland become plugged with mud the secretion from the gland is retained and the result is lameness. Squeeze the gland, sometimes a fairly large blob of waxy substance pops out. If this is the case the problem is solved and the sheep should improve. However, if there is no evidence of a plugged gland or a foreign object try to discover what the problem may be. By now you have a good idea what a normal hoof should look like and can spot one that is diseased, if everything else looks good, check any injury, including cuts that might be the cause of the problem
Footbath, when using a footbath run the sheep through a trough of plain, clean