Discouraging conditions for the coming winter present problems for pregnant ewes - despite what seems to be adequate feed on the ground.

In most cases, the appearance is deceptive and the feed won’t meet nutritional needs.

This has lead to the increased incidence of pregnancy toxaemia (deficiency in energy) and hypocalcaemia (deficiency in calcium), metabolic disorders commonly found in late pregnant and early lactating ewes, often appearing together.

Both disorders have presented regularly during the past few years of drought, when no feed in the paddock has been common and grain has been fed.

Both are recurring, however the noticeable difference, as opposed to previous seasons, is that in many parts of the State there is abundant dry paddock feed.

The problem is usually prevalent during times of feed shortage, when feed quality is lacking or in the case of hypocalcaemia, when ewes are mainly fed grain.

Pregnancy toxaemia hits late in pregnancy, resulting in apparent blindness, staggers, nervousness and sometimes a mucous discharge from the nose, to going down and death after a few days if left untreated.

Hypocalcaemia however, occurs usually after lambing and results in ewes going down much quicker, kicking or nervous when approached, whilst remaining alert.

They will die overnight if left untreated, however respond extremely quickly to treatment if attended to early, more so than in the case of pregnancy toxaemia.

The increased incidence of both disorders seems to be triggered by the low quality of available feed, where sheep cannot physically consume enough to meet their energy needs, even though they may be eating to gut-fill.

The demand for calcium is extremely high during the first few weeks of lactation.

To avoid hypocalcaemia, calcium - which in grain is low - needs to be supplied in the diet.

Well-intentioned producers have lost many animals to the disorders.

Early prevention is achieved by ensuring pregnant ewes receive the right amount of energy, best supplied through grain in the ration.

With advice, adding lime to the feed may be a good option to prevent hypocalcaemia.

A number of products will treated sick ewes if they are attended to early.

For more information, contact Jane Mason, Orange, (02) 6391 3967, jane.mason@dpi.nsw.gov.au, your local veterinarian or DPI sheep and wool officer.