LLS: keep an eye out for rickets after grey, gloomy winter
Grey, wet winters can be tough for everyone - and this has been a particularly gloomy one with very few moments of sunshine over the previous 3 months.
Apart from all its 'feel good' properties, sunshine is a vital source of Vitamin D. It is essential for normal mineralisation of bone and so is critical for young, growing animals. Vitamin D is created in skin cells through the action of ultraviolet light.
Because their skin is covered by wool sheep are limited in their capacity to produce Vitamin D from sunshine, and they become further compromised in long, dark winters such as this one. Adult animals will have Vitamin D reserves stored in their system, but young animals do not.
Rickets is a term that describes the development of soft, weak bones. It is caused by Vitamin D deficiency resulting in defective bone mineralisation. Bones develop abnormally and are prone to fractures.
Autumn lambs born to ewes grazing cereal crops, especially oats, are really susceptible to developing rickets in years such as this. This is because the Vitamin D deficiency is exacerbated by the fact that cereal crops are low in minerals - calcium also being important in bone mineralisation.
In this circumstance the provision of loose licks of lime, salt and causmag can help, but may not always fully prevent rickets.
Autumn lambs born to ewes grazing cereal crops, especially oats, are really susceptible to developing rickets in years such as this. File photo.
Lambs affected by rickets are typically noticed when mustered and yarded for weaning or other purposes, or they may be found down in the paddock. We have already heard of cases occurring in our local area this year.
As a preventative measure, producers who have had problems with rickets in lambs before may consider the use of Vitamin D at marking and/or weaning. Ensure that the preparation of Vitamin D used has adequate active ingredient to be effective.
When rickets is seen clinically and lambs are at risk of fractures from yarding and handling, changing to a legume paddock or feeding sun-cured hay may provide an alternative source of Vitamin D.
If you have any questions about rickets you can get in contact with us by calling the Central West Local Land Services Forbes Office on 6850 1600.