Small ruminant animals such as sheep and goats can be susceptible to the development of urinary calculi. These are ‘stones’ or concretions formed in the urinary tract from mucus, protein and minerals. Calculi can develop in both male and female animals but are more likely to cause a blockage in the urinary tract of males. Castrated males (wethers) are particularly at risk of problems with urinary calculi as their urethras are long and narrow, making it easier for stones to become lodged. Any blockage in the urinary tract can restrict the movement of urine which can lead to toxicity, as well as potential ruptures of the urethra or bladder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of urinary calculi can vary but include restlessness, abdominal pain and swelling, dribbling of urine and lack of appetite.  If your animals are not looking their normal selves it is advisable to contact your vet to check them over so that they can provide any medication or veterinary intervention needed.

Causes

There are several common causes of urinary calculi, including an imbalance of minerals in the diet, particularly calcium and phosphorus; reduced forage intake; insufficient water intake which leads to concentrated urine and genetic susceptibility.

The importance of a balanced diet

To help prevent urinary calculi developing it is important to feed sheep and goats a balanced diet that consists of plenty of good quality forage, topped up with a small amount of suitable concentrate feed to provide an ideal calcium : phosphorous ratio of at least 2:1. Feeding too much concentrate feed or a diet high in cereal grains may lead to excessive levels of phosphorus and low levels of calcium in the diet, which can increase the risk of calculi developing. As well as a suitable ratio of calcium and phosphorous, it is also important not to over supplement with magnesium, which can also be involved in the development of calculi.  Rest assured, all Smallholder Range sheep and goat feeds are carefully formulated to meet this ideal calcium : phosphorus ratio and supply a balance of other essential minerals too. Some other concentrate feeds contain ammonium chloride which is added to the feed to help acidify the urine and reduce the likelihood of calculi forming. Due to the careful balance of ingredients and suitable mineral levels within the Smallholder Range’s feeds we do not need to add ammonium chloride to our feeds.

Choices of Smallholder Range feeds for your adult sheep include Ewe nuts and Sheep Mix. For your adult goats, suitable feeds would be All Round Goat Mix, Herbal Goat Mix, Dry Goat Mix and Pygmy Goat Mix.

Constant access to forage

It is very important to provide all ruminants with ad lib access to forage (grass, hay or haylage) because chewing stimulates saliva production and encourages rumination. Phosphorus is naturally excreted from the body in the animal’s saliva and faeces, but when insufficient forage is fed the resulting reduction in saliva production means levels of phosphorus can build up in the body leading to an increased risk of urinary calculi forming. If forage quality and intakes are low, chopped fibre or chaff can be added to your animal’s feed, this will increase fibre intake and chewing time.

Always have water available

A clean, fresh water supply is very important not only to keep animals hydrated but also because this will ensure a regular flow of urine. There is a much greater risk of crystals developing in concentrated urine, so ensuring sheep and goats have constant access to water and can drink freely will help to keep urine dilute and help prevent problems associated with urinary calculi.

If you would like any additional information or advice on feeding your goats and sheep please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly helpful nutrition team on 01362 822902, complete our nutritional enquiry form https://www.smallholderfeed.co.uk/advice/  or email us at helpline@smallholderfeed.co.uk