Mastitis – just the name sounds awful, and it is. Mastitis in sheep is an inflammatory infection of the udder, primarily affecting lactating ewes. It can significantly impact milk production, lamb survival and growth and overall flock health.
We expect a lot from a lactating ewe, and we don’t want to see her feel bad or underperform. Her well-being is in our best interest as sheep producers, and her lambs are relying on her, too. That’s why the DuraFerm® team created this guide to mastitis in sheep – a brief overview of causes, prevention and treatment. We know that you have your flock’s best interests at heart, and we’re here to help.
DuraFerm is a line of nutritional supplements for sheep and goats that supports optimal digestion and nutrition for maximized performance at every stage of production. What does that have to do with an inflammatory infection of the udder? Well, DuraFerm is powered by AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility. We know that 70% of the immune response is found in the digestive system, so a healthy gut leads to a healthy animal with a better immune system.
So, let’s dig into the topic at hand: mastitis in sheep.
Causes of Mastitis in Sheep
Mastitis is typically caused by bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli (E. coli), which enter the udder through the teat canal. Poor hygiene, teat injuries and environmental factors like damp or muddy bedding or overcrowding increase the risk of infection. Mastitis can be acute, causing swelling, redness and heat in the udder, or chronic, leading to reduced milk yield.
Preventing Mastitis
Good management practices are key to preventing mastitis. Maintaining a clean and dry environment, especially in lambing pens, reduces bacterial exposure. Proper nutrition, including a quality vitamin and mineral supplement, strengthens the immune system while culling ewes with a history of chronic mastitis helps prevent disease spread.
Ensuring lambs nurse evenly from both teats minimizes milk accumulation, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth. Additionally, monitoring udders regularly for early signs of infection allows for prompt intervention.
Mastitis Treatment Options
Early detection and treatment are important to minimizing damage. Antibiotics, usually administered through intramammary infusion or systemic injection, are commonly used to combat bacterial infections. Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling and pain, improving the ewe’s comfort.
In severe cases, abscess drainage or even culling could be necessary to prevent further herd contamination. Proper post-treatment care, including continued monitoring and supportive nutrition, aids recovery.
DuraFerm Can Help
Mastitis can have severe economic and welfare consequences in sheep production, However, by implementing best practices of strict hygiene, early detection, appropriate treatment and quality nutrition programs, producers can effectively manage the impact of this disease on their flock. Adding DuraFerm to your operation is also a good way to ensure your herd is getting proper nutrition and building immunity.
We offer four DuraFerm mineral options to producers:
DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Sheep
DuraFerm Concept•Aid Sheep is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for sheep designed to support reproductive success. The loose mineral comes in a 50-pound bag. It contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility.
This breeding mineral contains high levels of vitamin E for reproductive tract repair and supports embryo production and conception using organic trace minerals, including zinc, manganese and selenium.
DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® HEAT® Sheep
DuraFerm Concept•Aid HEAT Sheep is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for sheep designed to support reproductive success when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in a 50-pound bag and contains Amaferm to enhance digestibility.
DuraFerm Concept•Aid HEAT Sheep includes HEAT technology, a combination of essential oils and garlic, to support animals when heat and insects are a challenge. It supports embryo production and conception using organic trace minerals, including zinc, manganese and selenium.
DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Tub Sheep
DuraFerm Concept•Aid Protein Tub Sheep is a protein tub with vitamins and minerals for sheep designed to support reproductive success. The 125-pound tub also contains Amaferm to enhance digestibility and the Concept•Aid sheep mineral package in a 16% natural protein tub.
This protein tub supports embryo production and conception using organic trace minerals and high levels of vitamin E. The tub is a great resource for pregnant and lactating ewes. Additionally, lambs can benefit from the tub, and they will start licking it, mimicking their mothers.
DuraFerm® ONE Sheep
DuraFerm ONE Sheep is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement for sheep that promotes performance year-round. The newest product in our line, ONE, also contains Amaferm to enhance digestibility.
DuraFerm ONE Sheep meets or exceeds nutrient requirements throughout the production cycle. It is formulated with research-proven organic zinc for enhanced bioavailability and comes in a 50-pound bag.
Get your DuraFerm Today!
We hope you feel more informed about mastitis in sheep, and we hope that you are inclined to try the DuraFerm supplements.
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