186 Sheep-Farming 



since the ewe showed signs of lambing, an examin- 

 ation should be made to see how the lamb is placed. 

 If it is in its proper position, then the ewe should be 

 left to herself. When examination reveals the fact 

 that assistance should be given, it should be rendered 

 with prompt dispatch. 



It frequently happens in cases of this kind that 

 one or both of the fore legs are bent backwards. 

 In the first instance, it is best to try and deliver the 

 lamb while it is in that position by gently pulling 

 downwards at the time when the ewe strains. If 

 delivery cannot be secured in this way, the backward 

 limb should be brought forward to its proper position. 



When both fore legs are back and the head is 

 presented, assistance must be given. It will be 

 necessary to bring the legs forward, which can be 

 accomplished after the head has been gently thrust 

 back. 



It is not an infrequent occurrence for the head to 

 be slipped down between or on one side of the fore 

 legs. With a little patience and gentle handling, 

 the head can be raised to its natural position above 

 the fore legs and the lamb easily withdrawn. The 

 head is sometimes presented, but there is no appear- 

 ance of the feet. When this occurs, the head should 

 be forced back far enough to allow the hand sufficient 

 room in the vagina. Then feel for the fore legs, 

 draw them forward together, and attach a loop of 

 soft cord to each of them and allow them to recede. 



