Pregnancy Toxemia (Ketosis) in Ewes and Does
- Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats is also known as pregnancy disease, lambing sickness, and twin-lamb/kid disease.
- The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose).
- Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather.
- The disease is most prevalent in ewes and does carrying two or more lambs or kids. ...
How do you prevent ketosis in sheep?
The disease is most prevalent in ewes and does carrying two or more lambs or kids. The disease also affects ewes and does that are extremely fat or excessively thin. The best preventive measure is increased feeding of high energy concentrates and grains during the last month of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in sheep?
Calcium Deficiency Clinical Sign: Weakness, inappetance, muscle tremors, inability to rise. Occurs late in pregnancy.
What causes pregnancy toxemia in animals?
Ketosis, or pregnancy toxaemia, occurs in cattle, sheep and goats. It is caused by the abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and volatile fatty acids. Ketosis usually occurs in animals in good condition that suffer a sudden deterioration in their nutritional status.
What is pregnancy toxemia in small ruminants?
Pregnancy toxemia (PT) is a metabolic disease which causes significant economic losses in small ruminants, especially sheep. Animals are usually affected in the last few weeks of pregnancy, the uterus contains mostly two or more well developed fetuses.
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency in sheep?
Clinical magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesaemia or grass tetany) can result in ewe deaths, typically when ewes are grazing grass-dominant pastures or cereal crops in winter and early spring. Symptoms include staggering, incoordination and sudden death.
What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency in sheep?
Selenium and vitamin E are essential in sheep diets, and work together to prevent and repair cell damage in the body....Signs of deficiency include:poor growth.stiff gait.arched back.apparent lameness.reluctance to move.sudden deaths.
How do you fix pregnancy toxemia in sheep?
How can I treat pregnancy toxaemia? Consult with a vet about the most effective treatment for your animals. A glucose drench or injectable glucose every 6–12 hours will provide a rapid increase in the ewe's blood sugar levels. Offer good quality hay and oats to the affected ewe if she is able to eat.
Can toxemia prevented?
If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, ask your doctor or midwife about your risk for preeclampsia — also called toxemia. If you're at high risk, the doctor may recommend that you take a low dose of aspirin while you're pregnant to help prevent preeclampsia.
Where do you inject sheep with calcium?
You should administer the commercial calcium solution injections under the skin of the neck, shoulder or over the ribs. You can massage the area you injected to help distribute the solution.
How does toxemia happen?
Toxemia, or preeclampsia, is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, such as the liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in individuals whose blood pressure had previously been in a healthy range.
What are the two major causes of abortion in sheep?
Toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion (EAE) are the two most common causes of sheep abortion that are diagnosed from post-mortem submissions by the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) (Figure 1).
What is the most serious form of toxemia?
Also known as toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that can develop in the second half of pregnancy -- sometimes earlier. It may also develop shortly after delivery. When left untreated, it can turn into eclampsia, the more severe form of the condition.
What is a good source of calcium for sheep?
Finely ground limestone is the best of the calcium supplements tested to feed to sheep. It is safe, and even when fed at the 30 per cent level used as an appetite limiter in self-feeders by some farmers, it has produced no ill-effects providing the cereal grain contains at least 0.26 per cent phosphorus.
What is the most common effect of calcium deficiency?
As hypocalcemia progresses, muscle cramps are common, and people may become confused, depressed, and forgetful and have tingling in their lips, fingers, and feet as well as stiff, achy muscles. Usually, the disorder is detected by routine blood tests. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used to treat hypocalcemia.
How do you give a sheep calcium?
0:211:37Farmer David Rescues Calcium Deficient Sheep - Cannon Hall FarmYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we have to go under the skin. Do it in several places so it. It works quicker I've warmed theMoreSo we have to go under the skin. Do it in several places so it. It works quicker I've warmed the calcium up saw to body temperature. So it's not uncomfortable when I'm injecting the sheep.
How long does it take for calcium to work in sheep?
Although the body has a store of calcium in the bones, it takes 48 to 72 hours for the body to mobilize calcium into the blood. Therefore, blood calcium levels decrease causing muscle weakness and can occur in multiple ewes at the same time, as mini outbreaks.
Why do sheep have toxemia?
The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose). Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather.
Why are my ewes susceptible to ewe disease?
In practice, an inadequate plane of nutrition is probably the most common factor in rendering ewes susceptible, but stress or a short period of going without feed frequently is the trigger for initiation of the disease.
What is the best preventive measure for pregnant sheep?
The best preventive measure is increased feeding of high energy concentrates and grains during the last month of pregnancy. Occurrence and Causes. Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats has also been called ketosis, lambing/kidding sickness, pregnancy disease, and twin-lamb/kid disease. It occurs in all parts of the world ...
How long does it take for an ewe to die?
Blindness often results, and eventually there can be convulsions, grinding of the teeth, labored respiration, and usually a mucous discharge from the nose. The mortality rate is about 80%, with death usually occurring in from 2 – 10 days. A shock-like state eventually occurs.
Do sheep absorb glucose?
Furthermore, the problem of supplying glucose seems great in that sheep/goats and other ruminants do not absorb much glucose from the diet and, instead, glucose has to be manufactured in the liver from other compounds. Contributing Factors.
Why do sheep have toxemia?
The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose). Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather.
Why are my ewes susceptible to ewe disease?
In practice, an inadequate plane of nutrition is probably the most common factor in rendering ewes susceptible, but stress or a short period of going without feed frequently is the trigger for initiation of the disease.
What is the disease of lambing and lambing?
Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats has also been called ketosis, lambing/kidding sickness, pregnancy disease and twin-lamb/kid disease. It occurs in all parts of the world and is an often fatal disease occurring only during the last month of pregnancy. Death occurs in two to 10 days in about 80 percent of the cases. It most often affects ewes/does pregnant with twins or triplets and is characterized by low blood sugar (glucose). Economic losses because of the disease have been considerable and it is the most commonly occurring metabolic disease of sheep and goats.
What causes high blood glucose levels during pregnancy?
It is generally accepted that the basic cause of pregnancy toxemia is a disturbance of carbohydrate or sugar metabolism. In earlier phases of the disease, blood glucose concentrations are less than 30 and may be as low as 10 mg/100 ml (normal 40-60). Blood ketone bodies, on the other hand, are usually greater than 15 and occasionally may be as high ...
What is the most important factor in the nutrition of a pregnant ewe?
One major factor in the nutrition of the pregnant ewe/doe is that of the unborn lamb/kid. The gestation period in sheep/goats is short as compared to many other animals and the fetal demand for nutrients and glucose is at its greatest during the last two months of pregnancy.
How long does it take for an ewe to die?
Blindness often results, and eventually there can be convulsions, grinding of the teeth, labored respiration and usually a mucous discharge from the nose. The mortality rate is about 80 percent, with death usually occurring in from two to 10 days. A shock-like state eventually occurs.
How high is ketone body?
Blood ketone bodies, on the other hand, are usually greater than 15 and occasionally may be as high as 80 mg/100 ml (normal 1-4). The free fatty acid content of the blood plasma also is increased, meaning that body fat is being broken down and used for energy.
How to prevent ketosis in pregnant ewes?
Prevention of pregnancy ketosis includes giving pregnant does and ewes a more energy-dense ration beginning in the last four to six weeks of pregnancy. This dietary change should begin slowly and increase gradually. Using the results of ultrasound pregnancy tests, individuals can be separated, fed and managed as a group, depending on the number of fetuses they are carrying. Does and ewes pregnant with twins and triplets will require a more energy-dense diet than those with singletons. Those with singles still need to be monitored, but could grow excessively fat on the higher-energy ration required for twins and triplets. Exercise helps prevent obesity and improves muscle tone. Providing feed, salt, water and housing in separate areas will force animals to move more than they might choose to do voluntarily.
How to monitor ketosis?
Managers can monitor and/or diagnosis individuals for ketosis through the use of urinary ketone detection strips, blood ketone tests and/or checking the breath for a fruity or acetone smell (although not every person can smell this). Early cases that are still eating can be given more energy (molasses, more grain, better quality hay) and two to three ounces of propylene glycol orally every eight to 12 hours until birthing; this substance is converted to energy by ruminants. Detection of the first case of ketosis should motivate a producer to re-evaluate the herd’s ration, assess body condition scores (BCSs) of all pregnant animals (Figure 1) and make adjustments as needed.
How much do sheep and goats add to their final birth weight?
Sheep and goat fetuses add 70% of their final birth weight in the last six to eight weeks of gestation. A singleton increases a dam’s nutritional requirements by 1.5 to 2 times maintenance in the last trimester. Multiple fetuses greatly increase energy demands on their mother: twins require 1.75 to 2.5 times maintenance requirements and triplets demand up to 3 times maintenance. Twins and triplets are common in some breeds of sheep and goats; quadruplets and even more are not uncommon in Boer goats, Finnsheep and Romanov sheep.
Can pregnant goats go into ketosis?
Besides multiple fetuses, health and management factors can predispose a pregnant ewe or doe to ketosis during pregnancy. For example, if there isn’t enough feeder space, timid individuals may not be able to eat their fair share of the ration. Lameness or other health issues may prevent affected animals from walking to food or standing to eat. Thin does or ewes already lack sufficient nutrients to maintain themselves, let alone grow a fetus or three; they are predisposed to ketosis as pregnancy progresses. Any issue that causes a late-term pregnant doe or ewe to have reduced feed intake even temporarily—transportation, shearing, inclement weather, etc.—can result in ketosis. This is especially true for overconditioned animals; fat mobilization can cause fatty infiltration of the liver and fatal ketosis after a relatively minor period off feed. Large amounts of intra-abdominal fat in obese sheep and especially goats further limit free space in the abdomen for the rumen to expand into to receive a high-fiber diet.
Is it necessary to know about ketosis during pregnancy?
Given the close profit margins achieved by small ruminant producers, it is essential to understand pregnancy ketosis and how to prevent it. Experiencing it once is enough for a lifetime.
Why do ewes have ketosis?
It is most prevalent in ewes carrying two or more lambs or in very fat ewes. Ketosis is caused by a disturbance in carbohydrate usage in the animal. As a ewe’s pregnancy progresses, the energy demands of her body increase.
How to treat ketosis in ewes?
Once she is eating, add an energy supplement to her ration to increase energy intake. Cesarean section or induced abortion will usually lead to the ewe’s recovery if the ketosis is caught early enough. If the lambs are near term they may also be saved. Unfortunately, response to treatment is usually not very good; however, it is worth the effort of trying especially if the affected ewe is valuable. Once pregnancy toxemia is in advanced stages (ewe lying down unable to rise), no treatment is highly effective.
Why do ewes have to break down fat?
As a result she will have to resort to breaking down her own body tissues (usually fat) in order to provide energy for her growing lambs, thus releasing ketones (a toxic byproduct of fat breakdown) into her bloodstream. When this occurs too rapidly, the ewe’s body cannot detoxify the ketones fast enough and ketosis or pregnancy toxemia results.
How to prevent ewes from becoming fat?
Prevention. Since treatment is not generally effective, avoiding conditions that lead to ketosis is best. First, avoid over conditioning sheep in early pregnancy. This includes preventing ewes from becoming too fat and also slimming down ewes that are already fat.
Why does my ewe's rumen shrink?
At the same time, the capacity of her rumen shrinks since her growing lambs in the uterus take up more and more space inside leaving less space for the rumen. This combination can result in the ewe not receiving enough carbohydrates (energy) through her diet.
How do you know if a ewe is in ketosis?
Symptoms. Ewes with ketosis are lethargic and have a poor appetite for one to two weeks , generally within the last one to two weeks of pregnancy. They also tend to have poor muscle control and balance. A classic symptom is sweet-smelling (ketotic) breath. Sheep may also grind their teeth.
How to contact Sweetlix for sheep?
For additional information about these and other SWEETLIX supplement products for sheep, contact your local SWEETLIX dealer or call 1-87SWEETLIX to talk with a SWEETLIX nutritionist.
Why do sheep have toxemia?
Pregnancy toxemia is a common metabolic disorder of ewes that is caused by the increased energy requirements in the late stage of pregnancy being greater than the energy provided by the diet consumed. It occurs in sheep usually carrying multiple fetuses. It is widespread and may affect any age or breed of pregnant ewe. Ewes in over-fat or very poor condition are most at risk.
How to control feeding requirements of pregnant ewes?
To control feeding requirements of pregnant ewes, the ew es should be divided into groups of ewes with similar nutrient requirements and fed accordingly. Ewes should be grouped in terms of:
How to treat pregnancy toxemia in ewes?
Treat ewes with pregnancy toxemia early with oral products such as glycerol, propylene glycol or concentrated rehydration solution, or inject with glucose. Administer sodium bicarbonate to help counteract acidosis. Consider cesarean section or artificial induction of parturition with the farm vet.
What is the optimal condition for ewes?
Maintaining ewes at optimal condition of 2.5 – 3 during the late stage of pregnancy and 2-2.5 at lambing will help minimize pregnancy toxemia. Click on the image to download the AHDB Beef and Lamb guidance on how to condition score ewes.
How many weeks before lambing should ewes have a condition score?
Ideally, the ewes should have a body condition score of 2.5-3 six weeks prior to lambing and at least 2-2.5 at lambing. Over-fat ewes are also vulnerable to pregnancy toxemia, as they are more prone to losing their appetite during late pregnancy ( Henderson, 1990 ). If ewes are exclusively grass-fed, special emphasis should be placed on feeding ...
What should ewes be grouped in?
Ewes should be grouped in terms of body score, fetal burden (ultrasound scanning) and expected lambing date and fed accordingly
What is the purpose of measuring blood metabolites in ewes?
Measuring blood metabolites (3-hydroxybutyrate) of the ewes can assess the adequacy of the diet. Health problems, such as footrot, should be treated, and emergency food rations kept at hand in case of extreme weather conditions ( Hay and Baird, 1991 ).
Why do sheep have toxaemia?
Pregnancy toxaemia is a common metabolic disorder of ewes that is caused by the increased energy requirements in the late stage of pregnancy being greater than the energy provided by the diet consumed. It occurs in sheep usually carrying multiple foetuses. It is widespread and may affect any age or breed of pregnant ewe. Ewes in over-fat or very poor condition are most at risk.
How to treat pregnancy toxaemia in ewes?
Treat ewes with pregnancy toxaemia early with oral products such as glycerol, propylene glycol or concentrated rehydration solution, or inject with glucose. Administer sodium bicarbonate to help counteract acidosis. Consider caesarean section or artificial induction of parturition with the farm vet.
How many weeks before lambing should ewes have a condition score?
Ideally, the ewes should have a body condition score of 2.5-3 six weeks prior to lambing and at least 2-2.5 at lambing. Over-fat ewes are also vulnerable to pregnancy toxaemia, as they are more prone to losing their appetite during late pregnancy ( Henderson, 1990 ). If ewes are exclusively grass-fed, special emphasis should be placed on feeding ...
What is the optimal condition for ewes?
Maintaining ewes at optimal condition of 2.5 – 3 during the late stage of pregnancy and 2-2.5 at lambing will help minimize pregnancy toxaemia. Click on the image to download the AHDB Beef and Lamb guidance on how to condition score ewes.
What should ewes be grouped in?
Ewes should be grouped in terms of body score, foetal burden (ultrasound scanning) and expected lambing date and fed accordingly
How to control feeding requirements of pregnant ewes?
To control feeding requirements of pregnant ewes, the ew es should be divided into groups of ewes with similar nutrient requirements and fed accordingly. Ewes should be grouped in terms of:
What is the purpose of measuring blood metabolites in ewes?
Measuring blood metabolites (3-hydroxybutyrate) of the ewes can assess the adequacy of the diet. Health problems, such as footrot, should be treated, and emergency food rations kept at hand in case of extreme weather conditions ( Hay and Baird, 1991 ).
What is ketosis in cattle?
Ketosis in cattle is one of the essential metabolic diseases of high-yielding dairy cows. The disease has mainly seen in the early lactations during the first few weeks after calving and at the late gestation period. The energy requirement of the cattle is exceptionally high during this period and lesser feed intake. The body converts its deposited fat into energy and excessive production of ketone bodies. These ketone bodies are circulating in the blood, and clinical signs appear.
What is the most economic metabolic disease in cattle?
Ketosis in cows is one of the most economic metabolic diseases of daily cattle. The causes of ketosis in cattle are:
What is the most severe disease in cattle?
Ketosis is one of the most severe metabolic diseases of highly productive daily cattle. The disease is mainly seen at the post-partum period before three weeks to parturition to after three weeks of the birth of a calf. The condition arose due to negative energy balance and the metabolism of fats excess ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetic acid, and B-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA)). The disease is highly costly and causes considerable economic losses in dairy farms.
What causes pregnancy toxemia in sheep?
The factors affecting the onset and progress of this disturbed metabolism are varied but for convenience they may be grouped into two general categories: 1) nutrition and management; 2) metabolism.On a nutritional and management basis, pregnancy toxemia can be classified and sometimes even experimentally induced by 1) a chronic under-nourishment or underfeeding during pregnancy; 2) a short but nearly complete fast in well nourished sheep in association with environmental or psychological stress. These two forms of the disease also have been referred to as a 1) under nutrition (chronic) syndrome; 2) stress (acute) syndrome, respectively. The second form occurs in association with climatic stresses, such as heavy snow or rain, with psychological stresses, such as transport on foot or by truck, or with other stresses, such as an outbreak of a minor disease.In practice, an inadequate plane of nutrition is probably the most common factor in rendering ewes susceptible, but stress or a short period of going without feed frequently is the trigger for initiation of the disease.
What is the most important factor in the nutrition of a pregnant ewe?
One major factor in the nutrition of the pregnant ewe/doe is that of the unborn lamb/kid. The gestation period in sheep/goats is short as compared to many other animals and the fetal demand for nutrients and glucose is at its greatest during the last two months of pregnancy. In fact, about 80 percent of the growth of the fetus occurs during the last six weeks of pregnancy; if twins are present, the increase in total weight is considerable.
What is the disease of lambing and lambing?
Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats has also been called ketosis, lambing/kidding sickness, pregnancy disease and twin-lamb/kid disease. It occurs in all parts of the world and is an often fatal disease occurring only during the last month of pregnancy. Death occurs in two to 10 days in about 80 percent of the cases. It most often affects ewes/does pregnant with twins or triplets and is characterized by low blood sugar (glucose). Economic losses because of the disease have been considerable and it is the most commonly occurring metabolic disease of sheep and goats.
Quick Facts…
- Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats is also known as pregnancy disease, lambing sickness and twin-lamb/kid disease.
- The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose).
- Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather.
- Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats is also known as pregnancy disease, lambing sickness and twin-lamb/kid disease.
- The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose).
- Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather.
- The disease is most prevalent in ewes and does carrying two or more lambs or kids. The disease also affects ewes and does that are extremely fat or excessively thin.
Occurrence and Causes
- Pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats has also been called ketosis, lambing/kidding sickness, pregnancy disease and twin-lamb/kid disease. It occurs in all parts of the world and is an often fatal disease occurring only during the last month of pregnancy. Death occurs in two to 10 days in about 80 percent of the cases. It most often affects ewes/does pregnant with twins or triplets a…
Contributing Factors
- The factors affecting the onset and progress of this disturbed metabolism are varied but for convenience they may be grouped into two general categories: 1) nutrition and management; 2) metabolism. On a nutritional and management basis, pregnancy toxemia can be classified and sometimes even experimentally induced by 1) a chronic under-nourishment or underfeeding duri…
Nutrition as Prevention
- One major factor in the nutrition of the pregnant ewe/doe is that of the unborn lamb/kid. The gestation period in sheep/goats is short as compared to many other animals and the fetal demand for nutrients and glucose is at its greatest during the last two months of pregnancy. In fact, about 80 percent of the growth of the fetus occurs during the last six weeks of pregnancy; i…