Monitoring the nutritional status of the ewe

Question 1

Monitoring the nutritional status of the ewe

Answer 1

BCS
Weighing
Metabolic profiles
Lamb birth weights

Question 2

Outline how to conduct Pre lambing metabolic profile

Answer 2

2-4 weeks pre-lambing
5 ewes per group-representative- not outliers
BCS at the time of BS
ALB, Glob, UREA, BHB

Question 3

Energy requirements of a Ewe

Answer 3

Maintenance for ewe is 10MJ
Late pregnancy is 19MJ (twins 1.8x maintenance)
Peak lactation is 30MJ

Question 4

Pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease, ovine ketosis) is a metabolic disease caused by…

Answer 4

Caused by inadequate energy intake coupled with excessive energy drain
Rumen size is restricted due to increasing uterine size, this reduces feed intake
Energy demand is increased due to increasing foetal size
Altered insulin levels and sensitivity along with a reduced ability to metabolise ketones during late pregnancy

Question 5

Pregnancy toxaemia Primary disease is called

Answer 5

hypoglycaemic encephalopathy

Question 6

Pregnancy toxaemia-Clinical Signs

Answer 6

Inappetitant (separation at feeding time)
Dull, weak and lethargic
Blindness, inco-ordination, head tilt, head pressing, “Star gazing”
Tremor, convulsions
Depression, recumbence
D+,

Question 7

What biochemistry results would I expect to see from a ewe with pregnancy toxaemia

Answer 7

Low glucose (<3.0mmol/l)
High ketones (HB >3mmol/l )
Frequently high urea (dehydration)
Frequently low calcium
Liver enzymes elevated
Low insulin
High growth hormone

Question 8

Pregnancy toxaemia- Treatment

Answer 8

Glucose (parentally)
Propylene glycol
Oral fluids
Abort lambs- C section

Question 9

Pregnancy toxaemia which ewes at risk?

Answer 9

Any ewe with an energy intake/requirement mismatch:
Late pregnancy
Twins/triplets
Older ewes
Fat ewes/thin ewes
Concurrent disease

Question 10

Pregnancy toxaemia-Prevention

Answer 10

Group ewes according to feed requirements, feed appropriately and manage concurrent disease
Provide good quality roughage (Grass>silage>hay) that can be accessed by all ewes
Appropriate concentrate feeding if necessary from 6 wk before lambing
Scan ewes & use raddle marks (with resultant, informed, management changes)
Regular condition scoring
Metabolic profiling

Question 11

Pregancy Hypocalcaemia- Causes

Answer 11

↑ Demand of calcium to develop foetal bone
Decreased food intake (+oxalates)
Frequently associated with stress (eg snow)

Question 12

Hypocalcaemia-Clinical signs

Answer 12

staggering gait
weakness
tremor (shoulder)
tachycardia

Question 13

Hypocalcaemia-Treatment

Answer 13

50 ml 40% Calcium borogluconate IV
Give magnesium
Give phosphate

Question 14

Pregancy Hypomagnesaemia- Causes

Answer 14

Decreased supply of magnesium
Rapidly growing grass ( lowered gut transit time)
Cold/wet stressful weather/Ewe dont eat much
Grass disproportionally absorbs K+ over Mg2+
Increased demand e.g Twins

Question 15

Hypomagnesaemia-Clinical Signs

Answer 15

Mostly sudden death
Anxiety, hyperaesthesia/tachycardia
Unsteady gait, staggering
Apparent blindness
Nystagmus

Question 16

Hypomagnesaemia-Diagnosis

Answer 16

Clinical signs and history
Pre-treatment bloods
Anterior or posterior chamber Mg 2+ level as part of a PM

Question 17

Hypomagnesaemia-Treatment

Answer 17

50 ml 25% MgSO4, SC multiple sites
Calcium borogluconate IV

Question 18

Hypomagnesaemia- Prevention

Answer 18

Concentrates and lick buckets