Dairy sheep health and welfare

Health and Welfare – Common Issues and How to Manage Them

part 5
Maintaining the health and welfare of your dairy sheep flock is critical for productivity and longevity. Sheep are prone to certain health issues, many of which can be prevented or managed with proper care and attention. One of the most significant concerns in sheep farming is parasitic infections, particularly those caused by Haemonchus contortus, commonly known as the barber’s pole worm. This internal parasite is notorious for causing anemia, weight loss, and, in severe cases, death if left untreated.

The barber’s pole worm primarily resides in the sheep’s abomasum, where it feeds on blood, leading to a rapid decline in health. Symptoms of infection include pale gums and eyelids, bottle jaw (swelling beneath the jaw), lethargy, and poor appetite. Regular monitoring is essential for early detection, and a helpful tool is the FAMACHA scoring system, which evaluates the color of a sheep’s lower eyelid to assess anemia levels.

To manage parasites effectively, an integrated parasite management (IPM) approach is recommended. Rotational grazing plays a crucial role in this system. By dividing pastures into sections and allowing each area to rest for several weeks, you can disrupt the life cycle of the worms and reduce the overall parasite burden. Keeping grass at a reasonable height (3–4 inches or above) also helps, as most worm larvae remain in the lower levels of the sward.

When infections occur, targeted deworming is essential to control outbreaks while avoiding the development of drug resistance. Administer dewormers based on fecal egg count (FEC) results rather than using them indiscriminately. This targeted approach ensures that treatments are given only to sheep with significant parasite loads, preserving the effectiveness of the medications. It’s also important to rotate classes of dewormers periodically to minimize resistance.

Beyond parasites, there are other common health concerns to monitor. Mastitis, a bacterial infection of the udder, can significantly impact milk production and cause discomfort for the ewe. Symptoms include swelling, heat, and abnormal milk. Prompt treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian is necessary, and maintaining good hygiene during milking helps prevent outbreaks.

Foot health is another critical area, as conditions like footrot and scald can spread quickly in damp or muddy environments. Regular hoof trimming and the use of footbaths with zinc sulfate or copper sulfate solutions help prevent and manage these issues. Maintaining clean, dry bedding in housing areas further reduces the risk of foot-related problems.

Vaccination is a vital preventative measure for diseases such as clostridial infections (e.g., lamb dysentery, tetanus) and pasteurellosis. Work with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule tailored to your flock. Additionally, proper nutrition, mineral supplementation, and clean water support overall immunity, reducing susceptibility to disease.

Close observation of your flock is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining health and welfare. Sheep are adept at hiding illness, so subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or body condition should prompt investigation. Early intervention often makes the difference between a manageable issue and a serious outbreak.

By combining proactive management practices with attentive care, you can safeguard the health and welfare of your dairy sheep. A healthy flock not only produces more milk but also requires fewer costly interventions, creating a more sustainable and rewarding farming operation.

Coming Next:

Part 6: Breeding and Genetics – Selecting and Managing Breeding Stock. https://derbyshirefarmers.com/dairy-sheep-breeding-and-genetics/