VACCINES/SUPPLEMENTS/MEDICATIONS/DEWORMERS
- Bar-Vac CD/T - this is a vaccine against tetanus and several other clostridium toxins. Since we have horses on the property, it is extremely important that we protect our sheep from Tetanus. We will vaccinate the ewes 1 month prior to lambing and then will booster the lambs twice after they are born. We purchase this online and our current supply is adequate.
- MU-SE - this is a Selenium/Vitamin E supplement which we have always administered to our ewes 1 month prior to lambing. Michigan is deficient in Selenium and it is very important for muscle health, imune health, etc. We purchase this online with a Vet Prescription and our current supply is adequate.
- BO-SE - this is a Selenium/Vitamin E supplement which we administer to newborn lambs. We purchase this online with a Vet Prescription and our current supply is adequate.
- Vitamin B Complex - We keep this on hand because it is said to boost appetite and energy in a sick sheep. We purchase this at the farm store and our current supply is adequate.
- Nutri-Drench - This is an oral Vitamin and Mineral supplement for newborn or "down" lambs and it is INSTANT energy. I need to check our current supply.
- Penicillin and LA-200 - We keep these on hand for emergencies. As a rule, we don't give antibiotics to healthy animals, but if an animal is sick or injured we won't withhold antibiotics in the name of keeping things "all natural". It is very important to keep records of use of any meds that require a withholding period before slaughter. As producers, we have a moral and legal obligation to protect our customers. We purchase this at the farm store and our current supply is adequate.
- Dewormers (Ivermectin, Moxidectin, Fenbendazole, Albendazole, Levamasole) - We rotate through these dewormers as needed. We utilize the FAMACHA system of monitoring eyelids for signs of anemia so that we can minimize use of dewormers, but sheep are VERY susceptable to parasites and losses can be high if one is not diligent about controlling them. We purchase these online and our current supply is adequate.
- 3ml, 6ml, and 12 ml syringes - we seem to use more of the 3s and 12s and I need to order more of them. I usually price them out online and buy from whoever has the best deal.
- 18 gauge & 20 gauge 3/4" needles - we use way more of the 20 gauge and we are completely out. I usually buy these from the same supplier as the syringes.
- Nursemate - We usually try to have a tub of this on hand as a colostrum replacer just in case we need it. I usually purchase it from Pipestone Sheep Supply and throw it in the freezer to keep it fresh.
- Milk Replacer - there are two brands that I really love and trust... Merrick's Super Lamb, and Pipestones Shepherds Choice which also happens to be mixed by the folks at Merrick's. We have had amazing results with both of these products. I will probably order the Pipestone product as it is usually less expensive for essentially the same product.
- Iodine Spray Bottle - We disinfect all lamb navels and cords with iodine. Our current bottle is getting low so I need to find the best deal on a new bottle
- Rubber Banding Bands - We band our lambs tails before they reach 3 days old. We were directed to do so by the State Small Ruminant Specialist - he indicated that it is much less traumatic at this age and healing time is decreased as the blood vessels in the tail are small at that time. For those who may be put off by the tail removal, it is a necessary evil for our breeds of sheep... The long wool-covered tails of these breeds become manure and urine magnets and attrack flies and disease. I have plenty on hand in a vacuum-sealed bag so they don't dry out and crack.
- Foot Trimming Shears - I usually purchase a new set from Mid-States at Shepherds Weekend, but I already have a new set so I don't need to buy more right now.
- Bottle Nipples - We don't want to have bottle babies, but sometimes they happen and it is good to be prepared. I made the mistake of giving ours to a friend who needed them last year with the promise they would be replaced as soon as they were able to make it to the farm store... they must not have made it there yet. I will buy these from Mid-States Supply this weekend.
- Lamb Tube (for delivering milk directly into a newborn lamb's stomach) - We have two of these and have never had to use them - I hope to keep it that way!
- Udderly Easy Milker - I added this to the list so that I remember to unpack ours to have handy in case we want to collect some colostrum from a ewe to freeze and have on hand just in case.
- Scale - I need to get my digital scale set up in order to record birth weights. We have really learned a lot about feeding in late gestation by monitoring birth weights.
- Lamb Tags - in any purebred operation you need a way to positively identify a lamb and we put tiny copper tags in the newborn lambs ears. We have plenty of tags ready to go.
For those of you who may be preparing for your own lambing or kidding season, here are links to some of my favorite Supply Vendors:
Very useful information here! Thanks!
ReplyDelete