Skip to main content

Your internet browser is out of date and not supported by this website. For the best viewing experience on wool.com, please update your browser to one of the options below.

AWEX EMI 1210 -22
Micron 17 1663 -15
Micron 18 1585 -28
Micron 19 1515 -25
Micron 20 1469 -15
Micron 21 1448 -17
Micron 22 1450n -
Micron 23 1441n -
Micron 25 730 -
Micron 26 598 -6
Micron 28 430 -10
Micron 30 363 -
Micron 32 330 -5
Micron 16.5 1722 -26
MCar 724 -8

Calcium and magnesium deficiencies in pregnant and lactating ewes

Clinical calcium deficiency (hypocalcaemia or milk fever) can result in ewe deaths either during the last six weeks of pregnancy or during the first month after lambing. Symptoms include muscle tremors, being unable to rise and subsequent death. Clinical magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesaemia or grass tetany) can result in ewe deaths, typically when ewes are grazing grass-dominant pastures or cereal crops in winter and early spring. Symptoms include staggering, incoordination and sudden death. Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia can cause ewe mortalities, and lambs from affected ewes will usually die. Lambing difficulty and complications from birth may also be increased, reducing survival.

Articles That Might Interest You

Recognising and preventing metabolic disease in lambing ewes
Optimising ewe nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is critical for the health, productivity and survival of ewes and their lambs. This article covers risk factors, what to look for, and how to prevent and treat two of the common metabolic disorders seen in pregnant and lactating ewes – pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcemia. Read more
Preparing low worm-risk paddocks
Preparing low worm-risk paddocks to prevent sheep from heavy worm burdens is a key strategy in effective and profitable worm control. This article covers strategic preparation methods for lowering the worm-risk of paddocks. Read more
Management targets for increased productivity and profitability
Ewe nutrition during pregnancy and lactation plays a major role in the productivity and survival of the ewe and her lambs. Here we have summarised the management targets for optimum productivity and profitability along with what to do and what to avoid when managing ewes to optimise lamb survival. Read more