Premier Equipment Digital 2017

90 / 108

TOP
PICK
How and when to
use a harness…
When a ewe prolapses her vagina we
use both a retainer and a harness. After
the ewe stops straining (usually within
24 hours), we remove the retainer and
loosen the harness a bit.
How does it work?
When a ewe strains, her neck drops
and her back arches. This pulls the cross
webbing of the harness tighter against
the vulva and also pulls the retainer (if
one is used) into the ewe. In a few hours
the impulse to strain will stop.
Although a ewe can lamb past a
harness, we remove it when lambing
begins. Same goes for does.
Note: An animal’s tendency to prolapse
has strong genetic links. So it’s good to
cull any ewe that prolapses from the
breeding flock before the next breeding
season and not retain any of her lambs.
90
Harness design uses the tail to keep it centered.
Insert a retainer if you have one. The 2 straps from
the harness pass on either side of the udder.
Snap buckles enable easy attachment, removal
and adjustment.
What is a prolapse?
A vaginal prolapse is a protrusion of
the animal’s vagina through its vulva. If a
ewe is going to prolapse, she will do so in
the last month or so prior to lambing.
Causes:
• Overconditioned (too fat).
• Carrying multiple lambs.
• Poor quality feed. (Forces the ewe to
eat more to get needed nutrition.)
• Limited exercise.
This happens in sheep but is possible
with goats. Lack of treatment could result
in the ewe’s inability to pass urine, which
causes a host of other issues.
If your animal has a prolapse or
you suspect a prolapse, consult your
veterinarian immediately.