Healthy, well-grown lambs start with keeping early losses to a minimum. The top-performing flocks typically see 10–12% losses from scanning to rearing, and almost half of these happen in the first 48 hours of life. A further share occurs in the first two weeks, often linked to issues like navel infections or joint-ill.
These conditions, commonly caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, can spread quickly in the lambing environment. Some farms report prevalence levels approaching 50%, with mortality reaching 20%, and affected lambs are often euthanised on welfare grounds. Routine tasks such as tagging can also create entry points for bacteria.
At birth, the lamb’s umbilical cord becomes a vulnerable entry point for bacteria. Until the navel dries and seals, it acts as an “open tube” into the calf’s body. Unlike in calves, navel infections in lambs often don’t present with a hot, swollen navel: the first sign of problems are often dead lambs.
Protecting your lambs with an effective navel care product, such as UMBIREZ, that cleanses and dries rapidly, gives your lambs the best start in life.
“UMBIREZ was a different experience from the start… For us, the biggest difference was not having to re-dip or worry about slow drying. UMBIREZ is staying in our lambing kit. I’m not going back to iodine.”
Tori Weaver, Sheep Producer, Michigan, US
UMBIREZ is trusted by farmers and vets worldwide. To find information regarding distributors and stockists in your country please click here.
