[Jacob-list] ewe with bloat?

[Neal and Louise Grose]

Bloat may be caused by a number of conditions. Anything that temporarily shuts down proper rumen function can mess things up. 

We most frequently think about it in relation to consumption of alfalfa, red and white clovers. Grass is usually not a problem, and mixed hay shouldn't pose much of a problem. 

Keep in mind though that moldy feeds can cause bloat unexpectedly. This mold may not be very obvious, and obviously moldy feed may NOT be a problem. It is change in feed that is often the culprit, and breaking into the feed bin qualifies. I have grazed our Jacobs on lush sweet clover and never seen a problem. Cows or Suffolk's would blow up like blimps. I suspect that Jacob sheep are not as likely to overeat or eat one thing exclusively as are some other breeds.

The other thing that might be true in your case is lack of vagus nerve stimulation of the rumen. Your description of a low-grade, long-term problem would make me suspicious of this. It would pay to pay extra attention to her in this case.

Neal Grose
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ralene Mitschler 
  To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Friday, March 10, 2006 7:40 AM
  Subject: [Jacob-list] ewe with bloat?


  Hi All
  I think my ewe Anastasia is going to be fine but wanted to post this question for safety's sake:  She is an older gal (9ish) and has a single healthy month-old ewe lamb by her side.  Her stomach has been making rumbly noises since pregnancy so I have been keeping an eye on  her.  She seems very healthy and eats well and moves around fine including running for the morning hay.  But the last two days she showed what I would call bloating.  I read about giving her vegetable or mineral oil (a few ounces).  The abdomen 'size' has gone majorly down this morning.  But since I am not exactly sure why her rumen etc has continually been noiser than most and that it swelled when no one else has----I am a bit worried about the spring grass lushness.  OH and I didn't intend for her to be bred but she tempted my ram over the fence last season! 

  Any suggestions?
  Ralene

  PS I am loving all your photos of lambs on the web   -- what a wonderful sight

  -- 
  Ralene Mitschler
  Chicory Lane Farm Jacob sheep
  www.blueflowerflock.com
  687 Oxford Ave
  Hanover PA  17331
  rmitschler at gmail.com
  717.630.2988
  717.817.3794 cell




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