FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DISEASE IN INTENSIVE LAMB FATTENING UNITS

A field survey was designed to study the effects of various management housing and feeding factors on the morbidity and mortality rates in i ntensively fed store wether lamb fattening units. Data were reported f or 33 units and a total of 7,123 lambs. Mortalities were higher when t he lambs had a preconditioning period, had a lower entry weight to uni ts and were foot bathed or suddenly housed. The timing of foot bathing (at or close to housing) was associated with an increased incidence o f pneumonic lesions at slaughter. The magnesium content of the ration was positively correlated with both the morbidity and mortality rates due to urolithiasis.