How Much Colostrum Does a Lamb Need for Healthy Growth?

Understanding how much colostrum a lamb needs is essential to ensure survival and growth. Colostrum is a life-saving first feed, providing vital nutrients and antibodies that boost immunity in newborn lambs. Smallholders and farmers must understand colostrum feeding to give lambs the best start in life.

Colostrum is the first milk produced by ewes after giving birth. It's a nutrient-rich substance packed with antibodies, proteins, and energy critical for a lamb's immunity and development. Colostrum protects against diseases, as lambs are born without significant immunity. This first feed also contains vital nutrients that help with thermoregulation and energy for the lamb's initial activities.

But what is colostrum exactly? Unlike regular milk, it's thick, creamy, and yellowish due to its concentrated composition. Farmers often refer to colostrum as "liquid gold" because of its irreplaceable role in protecting newborn lambs from illness and promoting early growth.

Regarding colostrum sources, fresh colostrum from the lamb's mother is the best option. However, if the ewe has insufficient colostrum or rejects the lamb, farmers must act quickly to find an alternative.

Options include:

• Frozen Colostrum: Many farmers keep frozen ewe colostrum as a backup. If stored correctly, it retains its nutritional value and antibodies.

• Colostrum Replacement for Lambs: High-quality commercial colostrum replacements are widely available and are a reliable alternative when fresh colostrum isn't accessible. These products are specially formulated to mimic the nutrients found in natural colostrum.

• Goat or Cow Colostrum: In emergencies, colostrum from other animals can be used, but it should be pasteurised and monitored closely for tolerance.

It's essential to prioritise timely feeding regardless of the source, as delays can significantly reduce a lamb's chances of survival.

Knowing how much colostrum a newborn lamb needs in ml is vital for successful lamb rearing. The general guideline is for lambs to consume 50ml of colostrum per kilogram of body weight within the first six hours after birth. By reaching 24 hours old, they should have consumed at least 200ml per kilogram of body weight.

For example:

• A 4kg lamb will need approximately 200ml of colostrum in its first six hours.

• Within the first 24 hours, the total intake should reach 800ml.

If using colostrum replacement for lambs, ensure the correct mixing and feeding guidelines are followed for the best results. Colostrum is only adequate within the first 24 hours of life, as the lamb's gut starts to close to antibody absorption after this period. This highlights the urgency of prompt and adequate feeding.

Creating a newborn lamb feeding schedule helps ensure consistent and sufficient nourishment for healthy growth. Here's a typical schedule for the first 24 hours:

1. First Feed (Within 2 Hours of Birth)

2. Administer 50ml per kg of colostrum as soon as possible. This feed kickstarts the lamb's immune system and provides the energy it needs to stabilise its body temperature.

3. Second Feed (6-8 Hours After Birth)

4. Repeat the colostrum feeding, following the same quantity guideline. Monitor the lamb's activity levels to ensure they are feeding adequately.

5. Subsequent Feeds (12-24 Hours After Birth)

6. Continue feeding colostrum every 4 hours, ensuring the lamb reaches the total intake of 200ml per kg within 24 hours.

7. Post-Colostrum Feeding

8. After the first 24 hours, transition to milk replacer or ewe's milk, following a proper feeding schedule for sustained growth and development.

Farmers often ask, how long does colostrum last? Fresh colostrum should be fed within a few hours of collection or stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It can be frozen for extended storage for up to a year without losing its nutritional value. When thawing frozen colostrum, slowly in warm water to avoid destroying its antibodies.

At Mole Avon Country Stores, we offer a range of colostrum feeding equipment and lambing supplies to support your farming needs. Visit us in-store or online to explore our selection and give your lambs the best start in life. Contact Mole Avon County Stores for more information now.