With lambing now in full swing on most sheep farms, Teagasc sheep specialist Ciaran Lynch has shared some essential advice for treating hypothermic lambs.

Lynch explained that when a lamb’s temperature drops below 37°C, its energy reserves are quickly depleted.

He said: "Blood glucose levels drop and lambs will cease heat production.

"In lambs over five hours old that have lost the ability to suck, it is vital that their blood glucose levels are raised rapidly before entering the warming box and/or fed colostrum.

"If this step is skipped, fatal seizures can occur in the warming box."

Supplies

The sheep specialist said that most of the equipment needed will be on hand in the lambing shed.

However, farmers should ensure they have the basic supplies ready: a tub of glucose or dextrose powder; a sterile 60ml hypodermic syringe; sterile 18–20 gauge needles (1in long recommended); and a clean container to mix the solution.

The steps to prepare solution are: sterile water - boiled water allowed to cool, and mix 80ml boiled water with 20g glucose (four heaped teaspoons).

Lynch outlined the following administration steps:

Hold the lamb by its front legs so it is upright, with the belly facing outward;
Dose rate: 10ml/kg bodyweight (e.g. 50ml for 5kg lamb);
Inject into abdominal cavity using a sterile 18-20 gauge 1in needle:

Lynch said a number of aftercare steps should be taken, which are:

Warm lamb immediately (e.g. warming box/red bulb);
Feed colostrum/milk once standing;
Investigate the cause, e.g. mismothering, lack of milk, etc.