256 THE LAMBING PERIOD 



of the other ewes in the flock with disinfectant and to disinfect the 

 pens from which the diseased ewes are removed. Close watch should 

 be kept for fresh outbreaks of the disease. 



From instances noted in the lambing fold and from experience 

 with other classes of animals it would seem best to prevent the lamb 

 from sucking the diseased side of the udder, because in the majority 

 of cases the lamb becomes so poisoned from the milk that it either 

 dies or makes very little growth. 



A very common trouble with the suckling ewe is sore teats. 

 This condition may arise from either of two causes. One is the 

 chewing or biting of the teats by the lamb and the other results 

 from pock-like sores that appear on the teats and on the udder. 

 Should the soreness arise from the lamb biting the teats it is well to 

 examine its teeth. If they are long and sharp the cure may be 

 effected by filing them off. This is not always successful, however, 

 and it may be better to dispose of the lamb than to allow it to ruin 

 the udder of a good ewe. If the trouble arises from pock -like sores, 

 the best proceeding is to open these sores and wash them with a 

 disinfectant. A solution of liquid sheep dip made up of one part dip 

 to about twenty-five parts water is very good for this purpose and a 

 few applications usually effect a cure. The shepherd should watch 

 every day for sore teats, for it is a trouble which appears suddenly 

 and causes a great deal of loss and annoyance. If the sores become 

 large the udder is almost sure to be injured and not infrequently it is 

 spoiled, thus making the ewe practically worthless for breeding 

 purposes. 



Occasionally a ewe fails to give milk through what seems to be 

 a sound teat. Upon close examination it is found that there is a 

 hard core in it. Some authorities state that the insertion of a small, 

 hot rod, such as a knitting needle, will open the teat so that the milk 

 can be drawn. The writer has never tried this remedy, but he knows 

 of persons who have tried it without success. A teat that has had 

 the end cut off rarely functions satisfactorily. 



Caring for the Young Lamb. — As soon as the lamb is born the 

 mucus should be wiped from its nose and mouth. It is not impera- 

 tive that the shepherd perform this duty, for it is well known that 

 many a lamb not receiving this attention comes through safely, but 

 occasionally the amount of mucus in the mouth and nostrils is suf- 

 ficient to cause strangulation. If the ewe is strong and possessed 

 of mother instinct she gets to her feet and devotes her attention to 



