Improving the Response to Vaccination

In order to get an optimal response to vaccination- especially with dead vaccines- other components are added to the antigen to increase the immune system. These substances are known as adjuvants, are more or less irritant to the body tissue, so that quite often a lump will appear at the site of the inoculation. With some vaccines, the reaction will be hardly noticeable, but with others, a large- unsightly swelling will develop which may be painful. 

            In years past, all sorts of strange substances were used as adjustments, such as Tapioca, starch, or even bread crumbs. Today, substances such as aluminum hydroxide or light-mineral oils are used, but only reasonably, they are far from satisfaction. A new generation of adjuvants which stimulate a strong immunity, but don't provoke a reaction at the vaccination site are urgently required. It should be known that a lump at the inoculation site doesn't mean the vaccine has not been effective, but rather the reverse. Oily adjuvants in particular will cause a nasty reaction in humans if vaccine is accidentally inoculated into or scratched onto the skin, and medical attention should be sought immediately. 

Live vaccines, depending upon the micro organisms multiplying in the tissues, when the vaccine is introduced into the skin via a deliberate scratch made by a special applicator dipped in the vaccine, it is essential that the virus is not killed through the use of spirits, disinfectants, dips or pour ons; otherwise the vaccine will not 'take'. 

           It is very important to always read the vaccine manufacturer's instructions and to follow them strictly. Needles and syringes should be changed as instructed and empty vaccine containers disposed of safely. Never vaccinate sheep in bad weather, or when they are sick, wet, or dirty. Sick animals should be marked so that they can be done when they have fully recovered. Never mix vaccines or administer another vaccine or any other treatment at the same time, unless manufacturer or your Veterinarian advises that it is safe to do so. Particular care and caution should be taken in the case of pregnant ewes. 

*Importantly: always wear gloves for human protection while administering and handling vaccines and keep vaccines stored in proper placement via temperature storage (refrigeration, room temperature, etc.)

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Weak Lamb At Birth - Karras Farm - Assaf Dairy Sheep

Weak Lamb at Birth

A lamb weakened by a by a protracted or difficult birth may be suffering from Anoxia (lack of oxygen) or have fluid in the lungs. The first few minutes are crucial to the lams survival. If the lamb gurgles with the first few breaths or has difficulty breathing, dry off the nose; grasp the lamb momentarily on the return end of the upswing with your free hand so the lamb is stopped abruptly in the vertical position. This accomplishes two things. The centrifugal force aids the movement of fluid from the lungs and the weight of the Viscera presses on the diaphragm causing a forced expiration. When you catch the lamb on the upswing, the weight of the Viscera falls in the opposite direction causing a forced inspiration. Normally two or three swings will get the vitals performing normally. If the heart is beating and the lamb is still not breathing after this exercise, artificial respiration is mandatory. Grasp the lamb by the nose so your thumb and fingers are slightly above the nostrils and respirate until you see the chest expand. Repeat this procedure until the lamb begins breathing. Please be cautious not to blow too hard as the labs lungs are quite small and can be ruptured by excessive pressure. If your attempts are still unsuccessful sometimes a cold water shock treatment will do the trick. Dunk the lamb in cold water, such as a drinking trough. The shock may cause the lamb to gasp and start breathing. Sometimes a finger inserted gently down the throat will stimulate a coughing reflex and get things going. After the lamb starts to breath, be sure to keep it warm and have it checked by a livestock veterinarian asap. 

Sincerely,

Andy Karras
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
karrasfarm@gmail.com

Assaf Ram - F1 50/50 cross 

Assaf Ram - F1 50/50 cross

Awassi Sheep and Assaf Sheep livestock in the USA - Karras Farm

It's been a busy summer at Karras Farm and we are learning more every day on the characteristics of these amazing Awassi Sheep. Their hearty nature and sound genetic makeup make for a wonderful combination. We are seeing some fantastic milk production from the Awassi and Assaf sheep and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to call Karras Farm if we can assist you in any way. If you have questions or concerns with your current sheep, we are happy to offer advice. If you would liek to inquire about Awassi and Assaf sheep availability we will gladly get you that information.


Below you will see the new and improved Karras Farm logo featuring the Awassi Sheep.

We have Karras Farm T-Shirts available too and invite you to see them on our facebook page if you're interested. http://facebook.com/karrasfarm

Thank all of you so much for making Karras Farm a dairy sheep leader in the United States.

Sincerely,

Andy Karras - Owner
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
karrasfarm@gmail.com

awassi sheep logo for karras farm

awassi fat tail sheep - awassi usa - awassi livestock

assaf sheep - karras farm - assaf sheep berreder

Hot Flashes in Dairy Sheep -

Hot Flashes

If you happen to be holding a young lamb on your lap after bottle feeding, you may notice that it suddenly feels hot or flushed. Approximately five to ten minutes after feeding a lamb can exhibit an acute dilation of the capillaries which releases a short burst of body heat. This so called “Hot Flash” will usually last around one minute. Do not be alarmed as this is a known physiological phenomenon of sheep. The trigger mechanisms and reasons for this are still poorly understood but there are no known detrimental side effects.

Andy Karras
Karras Farm Inc. http://karrasfarm.com http://eastfriesiansheep.com http://awassisheep.com karrasfarm@gmail.com

Awassi Sheep Photos - Awassi Fat Tail Breeder Karras Farm USA

Awassi Sheep Photos

We have been very busy at Karras Farm preparing our sheep for transport and placing lambs around the country. We will be posting some informative blog posts in the very near future but for now we would like to share some recent photos of the Awassi Fat Tail Sheep. The Awassi sheep continue to amaze me with their hearty nature and resistance to medical issues other sheep breeds are more prone to contract.

Thank you all for continuing to stay in touch and please feel free to ask questions or comment on the blog. 

Sincerely,

Andy Karras

andy@karrasfarm.com

http://karrasfarm.com

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http://awassisheep.com

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Sheep Vaccine Covexin 8 - Video

Here is a video we took yesterday at Karras Farm administering the Covexin 8 vaccine to our dairy sheep.

For the purpose of the video we used a syringe to administer the vaccine. Most smaller dairy sheep operations would provide the medicine in this fashion. With larger flocks we recommend investing in a vaccine gun which greatly reduces the time needed for the vaccination process.

Thank you for stayin tuned to Karras Farm and have a fantastic 2013!!

Sincerely,

Andy Karras
Karras Farm Inc. http://karrasfarm.com http://eastfriesiansheep.com http://awassisheep.com karrasfarm@gmail.com

The Assaf Sheep

The Assaf Sheep

In 1995 researchers of the Israel Agriculture research Organization (ARO) developed the Assaf sheep. The Assaf is a dual purpose breed, raised for milk production and meat.

The original concept of the Assaf sheep was to improve the prolificacy of the Awassi fat tail sheep without losing many of the desirable Awassi traits. The result was an animal which consisted of 5/8^ths  Awassi and 3/8^th East Friesian. From there the breed was selected for the most beneficial traits and the new breed was created.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year~

Andy Karras
Karras Farm Inc. http://karrasfarm.com http://eastfriesiansheep.com http://awassisheep.com karrasfarm@gmail.com

Sore Mouth - Awassi Dairy Sheep

Sore Mouth ( Contagious Ecthyma )

Sore Mouth is a viral disease that affects the lips, mouth, nose and teats of sheep. It can be spread to humans so treating infected animals requires careful handling. Always wear gloves and do not place your hands around your face after working with infected animals. Be sure to was your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.

Sore Moth forms blisters which rupture and cause prolific, scabby lesions around the mouth area. This is highly contagious and spreads rapidly to other sheep that have not been vaccinated or previously exposed. The virus is resistant and durable , it will survive in the environment for extended periods of time until it finds a host.

Applying Tincture of Iodine to the lesions will dry them up and may speed healing. An antibiotic ointment can be applied to aid in softening the scabs and controlling bacterial invaders.

A vaccine is available which is applied by scarifying a small area of skin then applying the live virus onto the area with a tool provided. Once Sore Mouth has occurred, all lambs should be vaccinated at a few days of age. Do not use the vaccine if the flock has never been exposed to the disease.

Andy Karras - Karras Farm

http://eastfriesiansheep.com
http://awassisheep.com
http://karrasfarm.com
andy@karrasfarm.com



Coccidiosis - Parasitic disease of the intestinal tract

Coccidiosis is an acute contagious parasitic disease spread between sheep through fecal contamination of feed or water. Strict sanitation and proper arrangement of feed/water containers will greatly reduce the probability of contamination. Lambs must be prevented from tracking manure into feeding areas. Coccidiosis in lambs can be very deadly. This parasite causes severe diarrhea, sometimes bloody, usually dark in color resulting in extreme dehydration or death.

We recommend frequent fecal checks to ensure healthy Coccidiosis free animals. At Karras Farm we feed our East Friesian dairy ewes and lambs pellet feed medicated with Deccox or Bovatec (lasolocid) continually to control Coccidiosis and improve feed efficiency. Ewes should receive this continually from thirty days prior to lambing through shortly after the lambs are weaned.

Have a wonderful Columbus Day and Thanksgiving to all our friends in Canada~

Andy Karras
Karras Farm

andy@karrasfarm.com
http://karrasfarm.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com/

http://awassisheep.com/

White Muscle Sickness In Lambs

White Muscle Sickness in lambs is caused by insufficient selenium in the soil and thus in the feed of the ewe. The Selenium deficiency combined with a low level of vitamin E can compound the issue. When the soil is deficient, the grazing hay is also deficient on these nutrients. Hay from known locations of inadequate Selenium shouldn't be fed to ewes after the third month of pregnancy or during lactation unless well supplemented by whole grain wheat and mineral salt containing Selenium. At Karras Farm, we give BO-SE injections three to four weeks prior to lambing. We dose BO-SE & Covexin 8 at the same time. Covexin 8 immunizes against Tetanus and Enterotoxemia as well.

Good quality hay, feed and minerals = sheep in excellent health!

Have a super weekend~

Andy Karras
Karras Farm
karrasfarm@gmail.com
http://eastfriesiansheep.com/
http://awassisheep.com/

Awassi Sheep - Colostrum Benefits

Colustrum is the first milk a ewe produces after lambing. Containing high levels of important nutrients, colostrum is a key factor in newborn lamb health starting just minutes after birth. Colustrum provides antibodies against a variety of infectious agents. At birth the lamb does not carry any antibodies as the ewes blood stream doesn't cross the placenta. It is critical for the lamb to receive colostrum during the first 24hrs of life to ensure adequate absorption of colostral antibodies.

Antibodies are large protien molocules that can cross the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream of the lamb. This occures only during the first 24-36hrs of life. At Karras Farm we closely monitor our newborn lambs to make sure they are receiving colostrum for a healthy immune system.

Have a very Happy New Year
Karras Farm

Awassi Sheep - East Friesian Sheep - Assaf Sheep

Embryo Transfer

Here is a video we took at the end of October 2011 showing Dr. Blackwell performing an embroy transfer at Karras farm. The process is generally painless for the sheep and takes roughly 4-6 minutes to complete from the time anesthesia is administered to the time the ewe is released into recovery. Some ewes receive two embryos and other will receive one. We trust in the doctors judgement when accessing the ewes at the time of surgery. The lamb success rate is equal to that of natural conception and does not result in any negative side affects for the ewe or lamb.

Karras Farm performs embroy transfer and artifical insemination annually to ensure the very best genetics in our animals.

Sincerely,

Andy Karras
karrasfarm@gmail.com
704-778-2032

Sheep Tail Docking

We frequently get asked about docking tails so here is some basic information on the matter.

Docking the tails can improve the health and welfare of sheep and lambs. At Karras Farm we dock tails to an absolute minimum of 6 inches and no shorter. Docking prevents fecal matter from accumulating on the tail and hindquarter of the animal.

Tail docking also reduces fly strike while having no ill effect on lamb mortality or production.

Sincerely,

Andy Karras
karrasfarm@gmail.com
704-778-2032