Twin Lamb Disease Threatens Sheep Flocks: Act Now
Baca dalam 60 detik
- The disease, also known as pregnancy toxemia, results from insufficient glucose supply to the ewe's brain and uterus.
- High-risk ewes include those carrying twins or triplets, especially in poor body condition or during harsh weather.
- Symptoms include staggering, blindness, and coma, with mortality rates exceeding 50% if untreated.
The disease, also known as pregnancy toxemia, results from insufficient glucose supply to the ewe's brain and uterus. High-risk ewes include those carrying twins or triplets, especially in poor body condition or during harsh weather. Symptoms include staggering, blindness, and coma, with mortality rates exceeding 50% if untreated.
Prevention hinges on optimizing nutrition: increasing energy intake via grain or supplements in the final six weeks of gestation. Producers must monitor body condition scores and avoid sudden feed changes. Early detection and glucose therapy can save affected ewes, but prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy.
Climate volatility compounds the risk, as drought or cold stress reduce pasture quality and ewe resilience. Agriculture Victoria urges producers to consult veterinarians for tailored feeding plans. Flock health data shows that farms implementing proactive nutrition see 80% fewer cases.
Power Move: Proactive nutrition management is the only scalable defense against twin lamb disease. Producers who invest in late-gestation feeding programs will protect profits and flock health. The cost of prevention is a fraction of the losses from an outbreak.
This article was edited with AI assistance for readability. Read original here.
