Lambs Dying.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 15 September 1891, Page 2

Lambs Dying.

We regret that reports roach ns of fine grown lambs suddenly dying from 'no apparent cause, and when opened disclose 1 no' farther reason. The facts are noted in the Wool O'tyiver, and tho explanation is worthy of attQntiou . The paper remarks : -

..While the shsep is tolerably coa.mo-. politan ia;its adaptability to climate, it is very susceptible, to influence of soil and water. Hilly or rolling lands with qu.ick drainage, pure, flowing water and sweet grass are the best for sheep ; and where the owner is obliged to keep his flocks on flat, so:;r lands, he should at all times, but especially in the spring when ho has young Limbs, tako measures to correct all undue acidity in the pastures. That mysterious nnd iatal disease of lambs, variously known as cramp colic," cholera, spasms, &c, is generally traceable directly to this cause, namely, the sour, watery grass eaten by the ewes and affecting their milk. It is often the finest and fattest lamba that are taken. Thoy are seized with convulsions and fall on the ground, kicking and frothing at the mouth, •with eyes fixed and staring, and tho head drawn back. Tlio trouble is [ caused by gas in the stomach or bowels. Generally it is a hopeless case from tho beginning, though sometimes a table-spoonful of Ep-;o:n salts given in warm water, or a lump of tar placed on tho back of the tongue to bo swallowed, will afford relief. The suddenness and violence of such seizures show the immense importance of prevention. This should be in the form of some alkali to neutralise die acid in tho grass ; either sharp wood ushos or lime, kept constantly in tho salt for the ewes, say one part lime or ashes to three, of salt.