Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
canned milk or cow's milk) for the fi rst day. These products are available
through a veterinarian or mail-order catalogs (see the Resources section).
The advantages of ewe (or even cow) colostrum from your own farm is
that its antibodies are “farm specifi c” and can protect the lamb against any
organisms that the ewe (or cow) was exposed to on your farm.
Emergency Newborn-Lamb Milk Formula
While there is no satisfactory substitute for colostrum, in the worst-case sce-
nario a lamb can be fed the following mixture for the fi rst 2 days, rather than
just starting out with milk replacer. This recipe packs a little extra punch that
benefi ts weak babies.
YIELD: APPROXIMATELY ONE DAY'S SUPPLY
26 ounces milk (prepare by mixing half evaporated,
condensed milk with half water)
1 tablespoon castor oil (or cod-liver oil)
1 tablespoon glucose or sugar
1 beaten egg yolk
1.
Mix well, then give about 2 ounces at a time the fi rst day, allowing 2 to
3 hours between feedings. Use a lamb bottle; in a pinch a baby bottle will
work (enlarge the nipple hole a little by making a small X opening with a
knife). When the lamb is a few days older, lamb nipples, which are larger,
should be used.
2.
On the second day, increase the feedings of the formula to 3 ounces at a
time (or 4 ounces for a large, hungry lamb), 2 to 3 hours apart.
3.
On the third day, the formula can be made without the egg yolk and sugar
and the oil can be reduced to 1 teaspoon per 26 ounces of milk.
4.
After the third day, you can gradually change to lamb milk replacer. Do
not use milk replacer that is formulated for calves; it is too low in fat and
protein. Your local feed store or veterinarian can special order lamb milk
replacer if it's not in stock. Goat's milk is also a good lamb food, so if you
have it on hand, you won't need powdered milk replacer.
