[Jacob-list] Ewe/lamb bonding ... rejection or dejection

[Jacobflock at aol.com]

It is well to keep in mind the physical/sensual processes at work  between 
ewe and lamb.  First identification is by scent followed almost  immediately 
by sound.  Both scent and sound are unique in ewe and  lamb.  Scent and 
sound are virtually the only ID mechanisms for about three  days.  It is only 
by about the third day that visual identification is  being imprinted.  You 
may observe that the ewe, wishing to be suckled to  reduce pressure, calls 
the lamb, the lamb responds, and the sound sets into play  a sighting which 
sets off the approach for suckling which is immediately  preceded by the scent 
check or a baa and scent check.  Yes, sometimes the  lamb calls but in my 
observations, it seems to be a stress (I'm lost, where is  mother?) call.  
 
The second born twin, often smaller (but not always), probably spends more  
time in the birth canal and might be stressed at birth, competing with a 
lamb  that has already fixed scent and sound and searching for colostrum.  The 
 ewe can't be in two places at one time so the first in line gets the 
attention  ... the second born will get attention in good time ... give the ewe 
all the  time you can to give it attention before you intervene  ... 
exceptions  include heavy birth sac over the nose.  We may read rejection into a  
situation that is ewe dejection; if the airway is clear and it won't freeze, 
the  lamb has a couple of hours.  Watch.
 
We have 26 lambs on the ground from 18 ewes and 31 ewes to go; 19  yearling 
and aged ewes plus twelve 2009 ewe  lambs. 
 
Fred Horak
 
 
In a message dated 3/3/2010 11:26:00 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
brenda at brenalanfarm.com writes:

I think  some first time mothers get confused by lamb #2. (Many of 
our first timers  have singled, and not had a problem claiming their lamb.) 
Lamb #1 is  responding to clean up services and starting to move and make 
noise, so  reinforces mama for paying attention. There is a real risk that 
lamb #2  will be neglected, and in fact the unequal attention might be 
getting  worse. If it is cold or lamb #2 is small or weak or tired... it 
might stop  trying.

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