When a ewe is about to give birth, a series of physical changes occur in her body. Her udder becomes enlarged, and her teats start to swell and become thicker, with yellow colostrum being squeezed out. The vulva no longer stays tightly closed, and thick, yellowish discharge can be seen from the vagina. There is also an increase in urination, and the pelvic ligaments of the ewe begin to loosen. When these physiological changes occur, it indicates that the ewe is nearing labor. Ewes about to give birth often isolate themselves, hiding in a corner away from the rest of the flock.
1. How to Determine When a Ewe is About to Lamb
The first noticeable change is the enlargement of the udder and thickening of the teats. In dairy goats, the changes in the udder before birth are quite obvious, whereas in sheep, these changes may not be as pronounced. Additionally, the vulva becomes swollen and no longer stays tightly closed, with a small amount of mucus flowing out. There is also a frequent need to urinate. At the same time, the pelvic ligaments of the ewe become looser, and the muscles around the rump visibly sink. These are the most obvious signs of an ewe approaching labor, and this characteristic can be used as a standard for determining when a ewe is about to give birth.
2. How to Determine the Age of a Sheep
- Judging Age by the Incisors: The age of a sheep can be determined by its incisors. Lambs usually have twenty teeth, known as milk teeth. Adult sheep have thirty-two teeth, known as permanent teeth. The teeth of adult sheep are larger and slightly yellowed compared to those of lambs.
- Judging Age by the Sheep’s Teething Process: Generally, sheep do not shed teeth at one year, but at two years old, they will have incisors. By three years old, the middle teeth emerge, and by four years old, the outer middle teeth appear. By five years old, the corner teeth will emerge, and at six years, the upper teeth become flatter and less pointed. At seven to eight years, gaps may appear between the teeth, and some teeth may become loose. By nine years old, teeth may begin to fall out.
- Judging Age by the Horns: The horns of a sheep are formed by the thickening of the keratin layer. In winter and spring, when nutrition is scarce, the growth of the horns is slower. In summer, when fresh grass is abundant, the horns grow faster.
- Judging Age by the Coat: The wool of a young, healthy sheep is smooth and has a good sheen. In older sheep, the wool and skin lose elasticity, and the wool becomes rough and less smooth.
