Hypothermia in lambs:

The sharp change in weather and wintry showers is increasing the risk of chill or hypothermia in lambs. Mild hypothermia occurs when a lamb’s temperature is between 37°C and 39°C. It is generally brought about by lambs being born into a cold environment or not consuming enough colostrum and can usually be rectified by warming the lamb and ensuring it receives colostrum or milk.

Hypothermia, where a lamb’s temperature falls below 37°C, is a much more serious condition. The age of lambs and severity of hypothermia will influence the treatment route. For newborn lambs still able to suckle, drying, warming and stomach tubing with colostrum should suffice. However, if the lamb is weak and unable to suckle, irrespective of what age, a different treatment route will be required as giving a lamb colostrum or milk in this condition increases the risk of milk making its way into the lungs.

The best treatment here is getting a rapid source of energy into the lamb, which is best achieved by a glucose injection into its abdominal cavity (stomach). Veterinary advice is to administer 10ml of a 20% glucose injection per kg body weight (50ml for a 5kg lamb). The solution should be warmed to body temperature and, if diluting, add recently boiled water that has been allowed to cool or sterile water. The injection site is 1in out and 1in down on the right-hand side of the lamb’s navel, with the solution administered into the abdominal cavity (inside the skin) and not the gut. This can be achieved by inserting the needle downwards at a 45° angle. The lamb should only be warmed once the injection has been administered, avoiding overheating. This should bring the lamb to a state of being able to suckle or stomach tubed.

Colostrum substitutes:

Recent research in UCD showed lambs achieving higher performance from ewe colostrum over colostrum alternatives or substitutes. This is not to say that colostrum substitutes should be avoided, rather that they should be strategically used. The advice is to try and ensure where possible that lambs receive at least some ewe colostrum to promote antibody intake, with a top-up provided where required from a colostrum substitute. Milking ewes with surplus colostrum and saving it for a later stage is highly recommended. Freezing in small tubs will allow colostrum to be thawed as needed. Never use boiling water if thawing or mixing colostrum powder as it affects quality. Caution should also be used if taking in cow colostrum to guard against importing disease, in particular Johnes.

Weather challenges:

The weather is presenting challenges in getting ewes and lambs outdoors. Where turnout is delayed, hygiene and the use of sufficient straw is vital to prevent disease. When turning lambs outdoors, try and do so early in the morning in small numbers to sheltered areas to allow animals the maximum time to settle. Where supplementing ewes, place troughs in the driest area of the field and move regularly to avoid udders and teats getting soiled.