Pre-lambing nutrition & periparturient Flashcards
When doing a metabolic profile, what are the significance of ALB, UREA, and Beta-HB (BHB)?
Low albumin = not getting enough protein in diet
Low urea = not enough protein since last meal (short term) - urea will increase if just given a normal meal
BHB - shows if ketones are building up, (can show how close you are to pregnancy toxemia)
What are the Energy requirements for the ewe (MJ):
maintenance, late pregnancy, peak lactation?
Maintenance = 8-11MJ
late pregnancy = 19MJ
Peak lactation = 30MJ
Name 4 common periparturient diseases
Abortion, pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia
When are you most likely to see pregnancy toxemia in a pregnant ewe? Hypocalcemia? Hypomagnesemia?
[different to dairy cows]
Pregnancy toxemia = a few weeks before lambing
Hypocalcemia = peak 1-3 weeks pre-partum, continuing until just after lambing
Hypomagnesemia = begins before lambing, and continues for 6 weeks after lambing
What causes pregnancy toxemia?
Inadequate energy intake + excessive energy drain
reduced rumen size (b/c uterus is large) restricts food intake. There is also altered insulin levels and sensitivity along w/ a reduced ability to metabolize ketones during late pregnancy
What is the initial primary disease in pregnancy toxemia, and what is it later compounded by?
Initially, primary disease = hypoglycemic encephalopathy (initially reversible)
compounded by: hyperketonemia, ketoacidsosis
CS of pregnancy toxemia?
Inappetant
Dull, weak, lethargic
Neuro signs (blind, incoordinated, head tilt, “stargazing”)
Tremor, convulsions
Depression, recumbence, Diarrhea, death
Progression = relatively slow (2-16 days)
What is wrong with a ewe with pregnancy toxemia? (metabolic profile values)
LOW: glucose, insulin, calcium
HIGH: ketones, urea, liver enzymes, growth hormone
Tx for pregnancy toxemia?
Glucose (or source of glucogenic precursors - propylene glycol) anything to encourage eating Fluids Tx concurrent dz Remove lambs - abort/c-section [poor response to tx, esp if done late]
What ewes are at risk for pregnancy toxemia?
Late pregnancy Twins/triplets Older ewes Fat ewes/thin ewes Concurrent disease
Prevention of pregnancy toxemia?
Group ewes according to feed requirements, feed appropriately (6 weeks before lambing) and manage concurrent disease.
provide good quality roughage available to all ewes. regular condition scoring
What causes hypocalcemia?
Increased demand Ca (fetal bone) Decreased Ca availability (1-3 weeks prepartum peak) Decreased food intake (+oxalates) Frequently associated w/ stress (ex- snow)
CS of hypocalcemia (early [5] vs late [3])
Early = staggering gait, weakness, tremor (shoulder), sluggish PLR, tachycardia Late = tachypnoea, recumbency, death (<24 hours)
Prevention of hypocalcemia?
Avoid stress in late gestation
Adequate Ca dietary intake - acidotic diet
Supplement if feeding root crops and cereals
What level of Mg must a pasture have to prevent hypomagnesemia?
Mg >0.2% of DM
