Pot-bellied lambs

Don & Sandy

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Feb 3, 2019
Messages
49
Reaction score
54
Points
86
Location
Southeast Missouri
We have some lambs that were growing really well and now are getting a pot belly. Can anyone tell me what they have?
 

Mike CHS

Herd Master
Joined
Mar 18, 2013
Messages
10,407
Reaction score
37,368
Points
793
Location
Southern Middle TN
I'm pasting some info about bloat for you to check on:

Bloat is a condition where the lamb is unable to belch up the gas which is formed in the second stomach (rumen). The pressure will build up until it interferes with the lambs breathing and heart and he can die. It is caused by certain alfalfa hays, clover and alfalfa pastures.

The lambs abdominal area (belly) will be very swollen looking, particularly on the left side. The left side will often be higher than the top of the back. The lamb will be uncomfortable and depressed. This is an emergency situation. You need to get the lamb to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Why do some of my bummer lambs have a bloating problem? Bloating is one of many problems a stressed lamb faces. Lambs that can't/don't get colostrum at birth have a nearly zero chance of survival. Keep a frozen supply of sheep colostrum from ewes that had singles or ewes that lost their lambs. Small plastic soft drink bottle make good storage and feeding containers. Use a lamb tube to feed a new born lamb in stress a couple ounces of sheep colostrum.
 

Don & Sandy

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Feb 3, 2019
Messages
49
Reaction score
54
Points
86
Location
Southeast Missouri
I can get pictures. We wormed them today and watching to see if that helps. They don’t look bloated, best I can tell. Stomachs are low and they are not in distress at all. They are on pasture and fescue hay.
 
Top