Oral dextrose gel to improve survival in less vigorous newborn triplet lambs: a randomised controlled trial

• Published in: New Zealand journal of agricultural research 2017-01, Vol.60 (1), p.54-69
• Main Authors: Hegarty, J. E., Harding, J. E., Oliver, M. H., Gamble, G., Dickson, J. L., Chase, G., Jaquiery, A. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blood sugar monitoring; Continuous glucose monitoring; Dextrose; dextrose gel; Glucose; hypoglycaemia; Hypoglycemia; lamb vigour; Lambs; Mortality; New Zealand; Romney; sheep; survival; triplet; Triplets; Weight
• ISSN: 0028-8233; 1175-8775; 1175-8775
• DOI: 10.1080/00288233.2016.1240091

Triplet lambs have reduced survival and most deaths occur due to starvation and exposure, but there are a few simple and safe interventions. We hypothesised that buccal dextrose gel would increase blood glucose concentration, vigour, survival and early feeding in less vigorous triplet lambs. Triplet lambs meeting criteria for decreased vigour were randomised to 40% dextrose or placebo gel 1 mL/kg via the buccal mucosa at 1 hour of age. Primary outcome was survival at 3 hours. An additional study exploring the effect of gel on interstitial glucose concentrations was assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in twin lambs. Lambs randomised to dextrose gel did not have higher blood glucose concentrations or better survival than those randomised to placebo. Low temperature at 1 hour after birth, rather than birthweight or blood glucose concentrations, was associated with decreased survival. Interventions to address hypothermia rather than hypoglycaemia may be most effective in improving survival in less vigorous triplet lambs.