[Jacob-list] horn question

[Kathryn Shirley]

What you are seeing is fairly common in horned animals.  If you notice,
your rams have "growth" rings (ridges).  These ridges can get separated
for lots of reasons.  Some are diet, dry air, lots of rain and usually
all are combined with fence, tree, or sheep bashing.  This puts stress
on the "rings" and cause them to separate slightly.  Occasionally the
horn can get knocked off, but most of the time you just get the cracks.

Do not medicate or spray the area unless an active infection is
present.  Moistness in the hole can cause the very problems you are
trying to avoid.

Kate Shirley, Humbug Farm

linda wrote:

> To jacoblist members:
>
> I have asked Linda to post a photo of the horns on
> our two horn, 18-month old Jacob ram.  I have
> asked several breeders about what I am seeing, and
> everyone I have asked seems to be at a loss
> claiming to have never heard or seen such a thing.
> Since I had a digital camera in my possession
> yesterday for a few hours, I thought I would take
> advantage and offer this up to all of you.
>
> In short, he has an opening / crack / crevice in each
> horn...practically mirror images of one
> another with respect to location and size.  The
> opening in the left horn, shown in the photo is
> the larger of the two, is wider and appears deeper
> than the other.  Both are large enough that
> small pieces of hay debris can and do become
> trapped or lodged in the small opening.
>
> I first noticed them about 8 weeks ago and my first
> impression was that they were areas where the
> horn material had not fused fully...now it almost
> seems like the one in the photo is larger than
> it once was.
>
> Both openings are dry...no drainage ever from them.
>  I have been spraying the area about once a
> week, because I am concerned about something
> getting in there.
>
> I would like to know if anyone has any idea on what
> this might be indicative of and what, if
> anything I should do.....should the area be sealed,
> left open, etc.
>
> I would appreciate any information and you may
> direct to the list or to me personally at
> perfectspot at blueridge.net
>
> Thanks....
>
> Cathy Robinson
> Perfect Spot Farm
>
> Pictures can be viewed at:
>
> http://www.rabun.net/~wolfpen/horns/
> www.PatchworkFibers.com
> Registered Jacob Sheep
>
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