Scouring lambs is a common problem, and with several possible causes, it's worth investigating to determine how best to fix it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Scour worms are a common cause, leading to decreased appetite and changing the ability of the sheep's gut to absorb nutrients, resulting in a loss of protein, energy and minerals like phosphorous and calcium.
The associated dag that accompanies scouring is also a major risk factor for flystrike.
Sheep pick up worms as they graze pasture.
The highest risk period for sheep to pick up scour worms is generally in late winter/early spring, before there is a good wedge of feed in the paddock.
Worm larvae tend to be found in the bottom 5cm of the pasture, so once the pasture is taller, and there is more of it, every mouthful a sheep eats is less likely to contain a worm.
Once a sheep has worms, the most efficient way to get rid of them is with an effective drench.
Usually this means a combination drench that has at least three different active ingredients, or one of the newer generation drenches, such as Startect or Zolvix.
If you don't know what drenches are effective on your farm, consider doing a drench check. This involves doing one worm test before drenching and another 14 days afterwards.
Full details of how to do a drench check can be found at wormboss.com.au
If drenching cross-bred lambs bound for market, keep in mind the withhold period when selecting a drench.
Other causes of scouring include bacterial infections such as salmonella and yersinia. Infection can occur in a couple of ways.
These bacteria can be found in the gut of healthy sheep, but sometimes when an animal is stressed, particularly due to time off food, the bacteria can overgrow and be shed by carrier animals.
The bacteria can then contaminate food or water sources, which allows other susceptible sheep to ingest them and get sick.
Sometimes the bacteria come from other species, such as mice contaminating feed or ducks contaminating water sources.
While antibiotics may help to control an outbreak, treatment may not always be effective.
The best way to reduce infection is through preventative measures like limiting stress, ensure good worm control and limit the time lambs are off food.
Diarrhoea can also be caused by coccidiosis. This is mainly an issue where lambs are run under crowded conditions, particularly if there is water lying around.
Good immunity usually develops after exposure, which is why adult sheep are less likely to be affected.
Outbreaks can sometimes be controlled by moving the lambs to a clean environment, although treatment with sulphonamides is sometimes necessary.
Infection is usually worse if the lambs are light in condition or have another issue such as worms.
Whether you are raising prime lambs for market or your next generation of breeding sheep, it's vital to ensure that lambs are surviving and thriving both for your farm and your bottom line.
Getting on top of issues early, good nutrition and monitoring worm egg counts are all ways to make sure your lambs have the best chance possible. If you're having issues with scouring lambs or any other issues, call your local District Vet on 1300 795 299 to chat or arrange a disease investigation.
