The Big 3

 Feeders if you have incoming lambs and Kids don’t forget the “Big 3”. 1- upper respiratory infection. 2- coccidiosis. 3- Worms. Upper respiratory distress can have many underlying organisms, causing an infection. When left untreated, pneumonia can kill them quickly! Have Nuflor on hand and follow label directions. Don’t mess around with lighter weight over used drugs like penicillin and oxy tetracycline that have inherent resistance issues. Coccidiosis infections can result in weakened lambs and kids that are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. Shallow intermittent coughing as well as dark scours are typical symptoms. Lambs will be unthrifty and poor doers initially. Veterinarian consultation and fecal samples are a wise first choice. New generation protozoal drugs are your best bet to get them cleaned up. The veterinarian relationship is a must to have these prescribed for market animals. Get the worm load checked, with your fecal testing at the vet office, and treat them if the threshold is too high! My preference for that first worming on incoming lambs and kids is oral cydectin. (Can be found at Jacoby Feed & Seed!) When coccidia and worm levels are low, your sheep and goats will thrive on good feed and clean cool water. Control #2 and #3 and #1 will happen a lot less!