| Livestock are gregarious and normally are not found alone, particularly young animals. This lamb was found by himself away from the herd and exhibits the gaunt appearance and low head carriage of an animal that is obviously sick. |
This ewe, standing alone with her stillborn lambs, exhibits typical maternal behavior. Livestock commonly remain separated from the herd to care for their young (even stillborn) several hours or days after giving birth and until the young are able to follow. Therefore, animals found away from the herd may or may not be exhibiting abnormal behavior. |
It is quite common to find young animals alone for short periods of time while their mothers feed or go to water. Calves, kids or lambs are often found sleeping by themselves during such intervals. Although this lamb was found dead of exposure, it is common to find young livestock sleeping by themselves in a natural position. |
| These two lambs exhibit the typical appearance of stillborn young or those that have died very shortly after birth. There is no indication that they have made any strong attempt to rise and the fetal membrane is still present on the lamb on the left. |
Caution is essential in interpreting injuries. For example, this lamb died of injuries to the liver caused by trampling in a corral. |
During necropsy, the carcass should be examined for evidence of adequate nutrition. This Angora kid's stomach was full of milk, indicating that it was well nourished when it was killed by an eagle. |
