Size: Many lambing problems are due to disproportion in the size of the ewe and lamb, such as when a sire of a large breed is used over a small-framed ewe, or when a maiden ewe gives birth to a big lamb. Over-fat ewes can also fail to lamb, despite normal presentation of the lamb. The two front toes and the nose of the lamb are often visible, but the ewe is unable to push the lamb out any further. If the lamb is alive, place the ewe square on her back, use plenty of lubricant, locate the forelegs and manipulate them through the pelvic inlet and deliver the lamb.
Malpresentations: If the head and legs are not in the normal presentation positions they can often be gently moved into place. Do not try to pull the lamb out until it is positioned correctly. Remember to be gentle, clean, and use plenty of lubricant when correcting the presentation.
Common malpresentations
Head back
If the forelimbs only are presented and the head is back, place a running nose on both forelimbs and gently push the lamb back into the uterus. Cup the nose of the lamb in the palm of your hand and gently bring the head around into the normal presentation. The uterus is protected from the lamb’s teeth by your hand.
Place a running noose behind the lamb’s ears and through its mouth. Be sure to flick each ear through the noose so the rope rests on the back of the neck. Do not put the noose on the lower jaw. The jaw will break if traction is applied to the jaw alone.
One front leg back
It is desirable to present both front legs for delivery but not always necessary if the pelvic inlet is large enough or the lamb is small enough. In some cases the tip of the shoulder of the retained leg can be brought through the pelvis and the lamb delivered by traction on the head and other forelimb.
Head-only presentation, both forelimbs back.
If the lamb is dead its head can be cut off and the body pushed back into the uterus, protecting the vagina from the exposed neck bones with your hand. The forelimbs can then be brought into the birth canal and traction applied to deliver the lamb.
Breech presentation
In the true breech presentation, only the tail is presented and both the back legs are tucked up under the lamb. Each hind limb needs to be brought into the birth canal separately. Gently repel the tail of the lamb back into the uterus, cup the fetlock of one hind limb of the lamb in the palm of your hand and manoeuvre the leg into the birth canal.
Repeat the process for the other hind limb and deliver the lamb by traction on both hind limbs, keeping the direction of pull towards the ewe’s hocks.
Do not try to turn the lamb around. This is almost impossible to do without losing the lamb or causing damage to the uterus. It is easy to deliver a lamb backwards once both hind limbs have been brought into the birth canal.
Contact Jaguza Support