Cause
a. Lack of free access to mineral supplement containing calcium.
b. Winter grazing of forages low in Ca.
  - prolonged residue grazing during open winter.
c. Feeding forages low in Ca (straws, corn, silage...)

Signs
a. Affected ewes are lethargic and recumbent with no previous signs of other illness.
b. Depression, inappetence, muscle tremors and weakness late in gestation.
c. Serum calcium level less that half its normal value.
d. Signs mimic "Pregnancy Disease".

Treatment
a. Results are "dramatic", as in Milk Fever of dairy cows.
b. 200 ml of calcium gluconate, I.V.s, slowly, results occur in 15-30 min.)
c. Untreated ewes usually die in 12-18 hours.

Prevention
a. Free-choice limestone, mixed with 1/3 salt.
b. Specially needed if feeding forages low in Ca or if ewes are grazing "residues" during open winters.

This article is used by permission and is part of:
Nutritional Effects on Sheep Health
by Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension