Aborting lambs

RE: Aborting lambs

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:14:48 GMT

We use 12.5mg of dinoprost - half the cow dose. As has been said the ovine placenta takes over P4 production from 55 days so the continuation of pregnancy is not dependant on the CL.

I usually get them to raddle a vasectomised ram and turn him in with them to ensure it has worked. My gut feeling is it is very effective (unlike in heifers where it can be quite variable).

The clostridial point is interesting, and I can accept there may be some additional risk, I would mention it, but happily still do them.

RE: Aborting lambs

Iain Richards — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:13:03 GMT

I've used 1ml myself, but I've seen a reference to 1.5ml <40kg 2ml> 40kg

RE: Aborting lambs

Seadna — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:00:46 GMT

I would add that we always insist the ewes are covered with clostridial vaccine of some sort.

RE: Aborting lambs

Fable — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:25:25 GMT

We have used Estrumate to abort ewes that were accidentally bred prior to starting an AI programme. The recommended dose for luteolysis is 100mcg of cloprostenol so 1ml should be adequate. Alternatively you can use 4-5mg of dinoprost, i.e. a 1ml dose of Lutalyse.

Earlier treatment is preferable, but not before day 5. Maintenance of pregnancy in the ewe stops being dependent on a CL around about day 50, so a response to prostaglandins alone after this point will be unlikely.

Glucocorticoids generally only seem to be useful in late stage gestation.

RE: Aborting lambs

Iain Richards — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:25:13 GMT

This popped up on sheep vet list a while ago. Consensus was 1/2ml estrumate between 7 and 12 days after tups out, repeated at 25 - 35 days. After 55 days it doesn't work.