Introduction
Raising healthy, thriving lambs hinges on one fundamental principle: proper nutrition. Just like humans, lambs have specific dietary needs that change as they grow and develop. From the moment they’re born, every bite and every sip plays a critical role in their overall well-being, disease resistance, and future productivity. Understanding these needs and providing the right food for lambs at each stage of their life is paramount for any shepherd, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time lamb owner.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of lamb nutrition, covering everything from the essential colostrum newborns require to the weaning process and beyond. By understanding the principles outlined here, you’ll be well-equipped to provide the best possible food for lambs and ensure they grow into strong, healthy animals.
Colostrum – The First Food
Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is the first milk produced by the ewe after giving birth. It’s not just any milk; it’s a powerhouse of antibodies and essential nutrients specifically designed to protect the newborn lamb from disease. Lambs are born with virtually no immune system of their own, making them incredibly vulnerable to infections in their early days. Colostrum provides the passive immunity they desperately need.
These antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, act as a shield, neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses. Colostrum is also rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals, all crucial for kickstarting the lamb’s growth and development. It helps regulate body temperature, prevents hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and gets their digestive system working properly.
Ensuring that lambs receive enough colostrum within the first few hours of life is absolutely critical. The general rule of thumb is that a lamb should consume around 10% of its body weight in colostrum within the first 12 to 24 hours. This usually translates to about two to four ounces every two to three hours for a typical lamb.
If the ewe isn’t producing enough colostrum, or if the lamb is unable to nurse effectively, intervention is needed. Frozen colostrum from a previous lambing season is an excellent option, provided it has been properly stored and thawed. Alternatively, you can use a commercially available colostrum substitute. These substitutes are designed to mimic the benefits of natural colostrum, but they may not be quite as effective, so it’s always best to use natural colostrum if possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using a colostrum substitute.
Milk Replacer – When Ewe’s Milk Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, ewe’s milk just isn’t enough, or isn’t available at all. Several situations might necessitate the use of milk replacer, including:
- Orphaned Lambs: Lambs that have lost their mother.
- Ewe with Mastitis: A painful udder infection that prevents the ewe from nursing.
- Multiple Births: When a ewe has more lambs than she can adequately feed.
- Ewe Unable to Produce Enough Milk: Some ewes simply don’t produce enough milk to support their lambs.
In these cases, milk replacer becomes a vital lifeline. There are many different types of milk replacer available, but it’s essential to choose one specifically formulated for lambs. Look for a replacer that contains a high level of protein (around 24-28%) and fat (around 24-30%), as these are the primary components of ewe’s milk. Choose a lamb milk replacer that mixes easily and stays in solution well.
Proper mixing and feeding techniques are crucial when using milk replacer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for mixing ratios and feeding schedules. The milk replacer should be warmed to the appropriate temperature (around 100-105°F or 38-40°C) before feeding.
The frequency of feeding will depend on the lamb’s age and size, but newborns typically need to be fed small amounts every few hours. As they grow, you can gradually increase the amount of milk and decrease the frequency of feedings. It is usually a good idea to use an automatic lamb feeder if you have a lot of orphan lambs
Hygiene and sanitation are also essential when using milk replacer. Always use clean bottles and nipples, and wash them thoroughly after each feeding. Milk replacer can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to prevent contamination.
Introducing Solid Food – Creep Feeding
As lambs grow, their nutritional needs evolve. Milk alone will eventually become insufficient to support their rapid growth. This is where creep feeding comes in. Creep feeding is the practice of providing lambs with access to solid food that their mothers cannot reach. This gives them a nutritional boost and prepares them for weaning.
Creep feeding typically begins around two to three weeks of age. The goal is to encourage lambs to start nibbling on solid food while they are still nursing. A good creep feed should be highly palatable, easily digestible, and rich in energy and protein. Common ingredients include:
- Cracked Corn: A good source of energy.
- Oats: Palatable and easily digestible.
- Soybean Meal: A high-protein source.
- Alfalfa Meal: Provides fiber and vitamins.
Commercial creep feed formulations are readily available and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Make sure the feed is fresh and free of mold or contaminants.
To encourage lambs to start eating creep feed, place it in a shallow trough or feeder that is easily accessible to them. Initially, offer small amounts and replenish it frequently to ensure freshness. Observe the lambs closely to see if they are showing any interest in the feed.
How much creep feed to offer will depend on the lamb’s age and size, but a general guideline is to provide them with as much as they will readily consume.
Weaning and Post-Weaning Nutrition
Weaning is the process of gradually separating lambs from their mothers and transitioning them to a completely solid diet. It’s a significant transition that can be stressful for both the lambs and the ewes. The ideal time to wean lambs is typically around eight to twelve weeks of age, depending on their growth rate and overall health.
To minimize stress, it’s important to wean lambs gradually. A common approach is to separate the lambs from their mothers for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the separation time over a period of several days or weeks. This allows the lambs to adjust to being away from their mothers and to become more accustomed to eating solid food.
After weaning, the lambs’ nutritional needs remain high. They still require a diet that is rich in energy and protein to support their continued growth. Suitable feed options for weaned lambs include:
- High-Quality Pasture: Lush, green pasture is an excellent source of nutrients.
- Hay: A good alternative to pasture, especially during the winter months.
- Grain: A supplemental source of energy and protein, particularly for lambs being raised for meat production.
Ensure that lambs have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
Common Feeding Problems and Solutions
Even with the best feeding practices, problems can sometimes arise. Here are a few common feeding issues and how to address them:
- Diarrhea (Scours): A common problem in young lambs, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, changes in diet, or poor sanitation. Prevention includes ensuring adequate colostrum intake, maintaining a clean environment, and avoiding sudden changes in feed. Treatment may involve administering electrolytes, probiotics, or antibiotics (under the direction of a veterinarian).
- Bloat: A buildup of gas in the rumen, often caused by overeating lush pasture or grain. Prevention includes providing access to roughage (hay) and avoiding sudden changes in diet. Treatment may involve drenching with mineral oil or using a trocar to release the gas.
- Acidosis: A digestive disorder caused by excessive consumption of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, such as grain. Prevention includes gradually introducing grain into the diet and providing access to roughage. Treatment may involve administering sodium bicarbonate or other buffering agents.
- Urinary Calculi (Water Belly): A mineral imbalance that causes the formation of stones in the urinary tract, more common in male lambs. Prevention includes providing a balanced diet with the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and ensuring adequate water intake.
Conclusion
Providing the right food for lambs at each stage of their life is the cornerstone of successful sheep farming. From the life-saving colostrum newborns need to the balanced solid diets weaned lambs require, a thorough understanding of nutritional needs is essential. By paying close attention to the principles outlined in this guide, you can ensure your lambs receive the best possible start in life, leading to healthier animals, improved productivity, and ultimately, a more rewarding and profitable sheep farming experience. Remember to always consult with a veterinarian or experienced sheep farmer for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
