However, precipitation of magnesium phosphate is the basic cause in intensively fed sheep. The higher the P and Mg levels, the greater the risk. Mg availability is high on cereal-based diets. Control and prevention of urolithiasis in lambs Eliminate as many of the causes as possible . Maximise water intake .
Lambs are finicky drinkers.
Use of thermostatically controlled heating-elements in water tanks to raise the temperature of drinking water to 10 degC may help to increase water intake in very cold weather. Maximise saliva production by including some roughage, coarse mix or grass-meal . Replace the concentrate feed , pending its analysis for P, Mg, Ca, Na. This could be important in pedigree stock to be kept for breeding or showing, but may be unimportant in lambs fed for slaughter. Young males, especially castrates, are at greater risk of obstruction than females or older males.