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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 141
is drastically reduced. Her problem is insufficient energy intake. When a ewe cannot consume enough energy to sustain herself and the lambs, she begins to use stored body fat to provide this energy. When she had broken down significant levels of body fat, there is the possibility that the ketones are being produced faster than her body can excrete them. When this occurs, the ketones build up to toxic levels which brings about pregnancy toxemia.
This problem afflicts ewes that are on a high fiber (hay), low-energy (no grain) diet and ewes that are too fat in early pregnancy. Another contributory fact is stress and forced activity that also place demands on the ewe's energy supply, and trigger the toxemia in borderline cases of inadequate nutrition. To determine which ewes are not getting sufficient nutrition, test kits are available, they can be used on ewes you suspect are having multiple births.
Signs to watch out far are ewes looking sleepy eyed, dopey acting, dullness, weakness in the legs and breath that has a distinctive odor. Usually, they refuse to eat, and are unable to rise, they grind their teeth, and their breathing is rapid. If they are not treated early it is unlikely they will recover.
This problem afflicts ewes that are on a high fiber (hay), low-energy (no grain) diet and ewes that are too fat in early pregnancy. Another contributory fact is stress and forced activity that also place demands on the ewe's energy supply, and trigger the toxemia in borderline cases of inadequate nutrition. To determine which ewes are not getting sufficient nutrition, test kits are available, they can be used on ewes you suspect are having multiple births.
Signs to watch out far are ewes looking sleepy eyed, dopey acting, dullness, weakness in the legs and breath that has a distinctive odor. Usually, they refuse to eat, and are unable to rise, they grind their teeth, and their breathing is rapid. If they are not treated early it is unlikely they will recover.