Control Grazing

Controlled grazing of ewes may be the way to save money and feed this year. Allow the ewes to graze for only a few hours each day and locked them in drylot for the rest of the day. Adjust grazing time according to the ewe's needs and her body condition. Pastures are more effectively utilized and the ewe doesn't put on excessive weight during her normal dormancy period. It may even allow you to increase your flock size on the same amount of acres.

Controlled grazing offers the following advantages:

1. Allows high pressure, low frequency grazing without expensive purchased inputs.
2. Maintains proper ewe body condition during the summer resulting in more response during flushing and hopefully higher lamb crops. 3. Allows more ewes to be carried per acre due to less trampling of the pasture.
4. Decreases the likelihood of dog or coyote attacks by confining the ewes to protected drylots.

Control Grain Intake

An excessive ingestion of grain by animals not accustomed to grain or by hungry animals causes a condition known as acidosis. Grain fermentation results in abnormally high levels of D-lactic acid and lactate. The rumen pH falls to 4.0 to 4.5.

Signs occur 6-12 hours after grain ingestion and are associated with indigestion and dehydration. Signs include off-feed, irritability, dullness, a distended, paralyzed rumen, profuse diarrhea, dehydration, sunken eyes, incoordination, collapse, coma and death. Recovered animals often "founder".

Treatment includes emptying the rumen, either with stomach tube or surgery and administering mineral oil and antacids. The dehydration and acidosis are corrected by electrolytes and buffers. Fluid treatment may need to be supplemented with antibiotics, antihistamines, and steroids depending on severity of clinical signs. Consult your local veterinarian.

Prevention includes removing the offending cause: properly managed feedbunks are the best prevention. Do not offer free-choice grain to unaccustomed, hungry or starving sheep.

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