Farmers Combat Pneumonia Risk in Lambs to Boost Profitability

Chronic Non-Progressive Pneumonia (CNP) poses a significant threat to lambs, affecting an estimated 20%–30% of those in a flock. This condition is not only detrimental to animal health but also leads to substantial economic losses for farmers. The challenge lies in the management practices that can help mitigate the risks associated with CNP.

The economic impact of CNP can be profound. In a case study involving a flock of 500 lambs, losses due to downgraded carcasses amounted to approximately $2,920 based on a processing schedule of $6.63 per kilogram. Affected lambs can exhibit stunted growth, with those suffering from CNP growing 50% slower than their healthy counterparts. For instance, if a lamb with CNP grows at 75 grams per day instead of 150 grams, it would take an additional 47 days to reach a weight of 37 kgLW, requiring an extra 66 kg of dry matter.

Understanding CNP and Its Causes

CNP is the most common form of pneumonia in lambs, often resulting from bacterial, mycobacterial, or viral infections. Affected animals may develop pleurisy, a painful inflammation where the lungs adhere to the chest wall. Such health issues not only compromise animal welfare but also lead to carcass downgrading or condemnation during processing.

Research from Massey University and AgResearch indicates that the prevalence of CNP varies significantly across flocks and years, but consistently impacts a notable portion of lamb populations. Factors contributing to CNP include high temperatures, humidity, overcrowding, stress, dust exposure, excessive exercise, poor ventilation, low immunity, and high parasite loads.

Farmers can implement several strategies to reduce the risk of CNP. Avoiding shearing during the critical weaning period, maintaining small mob sizes when handling lambs, and minimizing long-distance movements under stressful conditions are all recommended practices. Additionally, ensuring that both ewes and lambs receive proper nutrition plays a vital role in prevention.

Effective Management Strategies

To enhance the welfare of lambs and reduce the incidence of CNP, farmers should focus on creating an environment that minimizes stress. Techniques such as utilizing satellite yards and lane-ways allow lambs to move at their own pace, which can help reduce open-mouth panting and associated stress. Targeting cooler times of the day for handling can also be beneficial.

Maintaining good body condition in ewes ensures that they can rear their lambs effectively, facilitating quicker growth rates and reducing exposure to pathogens that cause CNP. Healthy ewes are more likely to produce lambs with robust immune systems, ultimately leading to better outcomes at weaning.

In summary, addressing the challenges posed by CNP requires a combination of good management practices, nutritional support, and an understanding of the disease’s underlying causes. For more detailed information, farmers can refer to the fact sheet “Pneumonia and pleurisy in sheep” provided by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. By implementing these strategies, farmers can not only improve the health of their livestock but also enhance their overall profitability.