Are Ewe Kidding?

By: Margaret A. Bell, Extension Agent – Livestock

Complied from: Managing Kidding and Lambing. Mary C. Smith, DVM. 2005. Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium.

When your does and ewes go into labor, you want to make sure you are prepared to help them kid or lamb, if the need arises. As a livestock owner, you should familiarize yourself with symptoms of dystocia (difficulty during parturition) and know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Typically, most does and ewes are going to successfully complete parturition without human assistance. The doe or ewe is likely going to wait until she is by herself or the surrounding areas are quiet before she begins to kid or lamb. Sometimes it is just best to step aside and let mother nature take over. However, sometimes, it is best to aid a doe or ewe in distress.

When in doubt, a good rule to use is the 30-30-30 rule. Allow 30 minutes for delivery to be completed after a doe or ewe goes into labor. As an exception to this rule, do not wait 30 minutes for the kid or lamb to be born if it is yellow with meconium. This is an indication it is already not receiving enough oxygen and should be delivered immediately. If things appear to be normal and the mother has not had any problems so far, you may allow an additional 30 minutes before you step in. Lastly, if the doe or ewe has already had one or more fetuses without human assistance but you believe there to be another fetus, you may allow another 30 minutes to pass before you help deliver that fetus.

After becoming comfortable with the above rule, there are several other helpful tips you should consider before you assist a doe or ewe during parturition. You want to keep the area as sterile as possible. This includes wearing sterile gloves and washing the vulva of the doe or ewe using a mild dish detergent or betadine. Also, you need to use lubricant when you examine the doe or ewe.

You may want to invest in a “lamb puller,” also known as a head snare. This tool can be very helpful in trying to correct a lamb or kid with its head back. Most kids or lambs can be delivered head first, known as anterior position or hind feet first, known as posterior position. Immediately after pulling a lamb or kid, you should clear its nose, and place it with the mother. Make sure to check for more fetuses. You will want to follow up with antibiotics if they are necessary. Always consult your veterinarian about vaccination protocol and dosage directions.

After the kid or lamb is born, proper care must be given to ensure a healthy start for the animal. Once the animal is born, you should shorten the umbilical cord with scissors and dip it into a 7% tincture of iodine. Strip the plugs out of the dam’s teats to ensure the kid or lamb does not have to suck hard to get its first drink. Watch closely to make sure the kid or lamb is actually sucking, but leave the dam and young alone. Lambs and kids need time to find the udder and begin to recognize their mother.

Also, make sure the kid or lamb is as dry as possible, especially if temperatures are low. You may need to use a knitted sweater, sock, or sweatshirt as a coat for the young, if temperatures are especially low. This may help to save the life of the kid or lamb. Overall, monitor your dams that are in labor. If you have any questions, you should consult your veterinarian