[Jacob-list] Aging ruminants

[Linda]

Aren't horns (except for the core) keratin?  Maybe something that is good for strong fingernails would help?
 
I've seen the varying horn diameters that Cathy describes on ewes of varying ages.  Horn growth is an indicator of a stress (nutritional) period, much like tree rings.  I've seen the greatly diminished diameter with flaking on a few ewes (one here) and some of them had been in stress situations, but the ones that had the flaking were all either old or of unknown age.  

BTW, I've also had the pleasure of meeting the Lady Jane and she's plump with a healthy fleece and an active appetite. 

When sheep/people/dogs/etc get older they do have a harder time utilizing feeds.  It wouldn't hurt to give her a dose of probios.  

Linda
 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn

On Fri, 30 Dec 2005 11:33:14 -0500, Susan J Martin wrote:
> Regarding Jane The Geriatric Sheep and her horn growth - do sheep
> need extra calcium as  they age, just like humans?  Humans need
> Vit. D to absorb calcium --  obviously sheep have a ruminant
> digestive system, unlike ours, but I was wondering  if there is
> something similar that is needed to aid in the absorption of
> minerals as a the animal ages....does anybody know?
>
> Sue Martin
>
> Stonecroft Manor
> "The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep...They all shout and
> sing for joy!"     Psa. 65:13

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