188 Sheep-Farming 



A breech presentation occurs when the hind legs 

 are first presented. Usually it is not advisable to 

 attempt the delivery of a lamb in that position with- 

 out trying to turn it. When an instance of this 

 occurs, the delivery should be hastened, otherwise 

 suffocation may result. 



Another form of breech presentation is one in 

 which the hind legs appear at the opening of the 

 womb and are bent backwards. Place the ewe on 

 her back ; let an assistant stride across her, facing 

 the hinder parts, and holding the hind quarters as 

 high as possible by taking a firm grasp of the leg 

 between the thick of the leg and the hock. When 

 the ewe is in this position, gently insert the hand 

 into the passage until the lamb is reached. Pass 

 the hand from the rump of the lamb to the thighs, 

 and by taking hold of the legs as near the foot as 

 possible, draw it forward into proper position. When 

 the same is accomplished with the other leg, it is 

 easy to secure delivery. Monstrosities are sometimes 

 the cause of trouble. As a rule, they cannot be re- 

 moved without the use of a knife. 



In handling ewes with awkward presentations, 

 roughness and hurry should be avoided. The hand 

 should be anointed with fresh lard and oil, and the 

 finger nails trimmed short. After the ewe has ex- 

 perienced difficult labor, the parts should be soothed 

 with carbolized oil, or a solution of creolin, one to fifty 

 parts water, may be used to allay the inflammation. 



