Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Thaw frozen colostrum at room temperature or in lukewarm water. Never
use hot water or a microwave oven to thaw colostrum because it can denature
and destroy the antibodies, rendering the colostrum worthless.
Molasses and Feed for Mama
Ewes are often thirsty after giving birth. We offer the ewe a large bucket of
warm water (not hot) that contains half a cup of stock molasses. It is impor-
tant to have it warmed, as the ewe may be reluctant to drink very cold water,
and this can result in lowered milk production. Offer good hay but no grain
the fi rst day, as it could promote more milk than a tiny lamb can use. If the
ewe has twins or triplets, however, and seems short of milk, grain feeding
should start that fi rst day.
Multiple Lambs
Twins, triplets, and larger “litters” require vigilance to ensure that all the
lambs are claimed by the ewe and that they all get their share of colostrum.
If the ewe does not have plenty of milk for all the lambs, increase her grain
consumption gradually. Unless she shows some reluctance about the molas-
ses, continue offering it in lukewarm water during the time that she is in the
jug with the lambs.
If you have multiple lambs that are crying a lot, they are probably not
getting enough milk. If not all of them are crying, assist the hungry ones by
holding them to their mother. If she is short on milk, give a supplemental
bottle. When a ewe does not have enough milk for multiple lambs, you can
still let them all nurse her, but supplement one or all of them with a couple of
bottle feedings a day. Give 2-ounce (59 mL) feedings the fi rst couple of days
and increase to 4 to 6 ounces (118 to 177 mL) by the third and fourth day.
Continue this process, gradually increasing the quantity as they grow, for as
long as the ewe's milk is not adequate. See page 172 for the newborn-lamb
milk formula to feed for the fi rst 2 days, then gradually change to lamb milk
replacer (not calf milk replacer).
Marking Lambs
A brightly colored, small nylon dog collar or a collar made of yarn is a conve-
nient way to fl ag any lambs that need special observation; these collars really
make them stand out in the mob.
If you have more than two or three ewes, which should produce two to
six lambs, the lambs are best identifi ed by ear tags. This way you can keep
