You can feed lambs cows milk to improve their immune system and digestion. Make sure you follow the withdrawal times and fortify the milk with fats and oils. Also, give colostrum when possible. If you are unsure of whether to feed your lambs cows milk or not, here are some tips:
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Fortification of cow’s milk with fats or oils
Many studies have cited the importance of fats in the diets of animals, but one recent study has focused on the importance of vitamin D. While the amount of vitamin D in our bodies depends on our diet, sufficient levels are crucial for the production of serotonin. Serotonin is associated with our mood, appetite, and sleep. A review of studies published in 2020 linked vitamin D deficiency with clinical depression. Fortunately, manufacturers of animal feed for human consumption often fortify milk with vitamins D and zinc. Furthermore, cow’s milk contains all of the essential amino acids, including omega-3.
Despite the benefits of fortification, the studies did not address the question of whether these added fats or oils affect carcass quality. In this study, we looked at the carcass characteristics of prime lambs fed different PUFA-enriched pellets. We found no significant differences between control and supplemented groups in terms of BCTRC%, pre-slaughter weight, body wall thickness, and rib eye area. In addition, GR fat score and OTH trade were significantly greater in the RBO group than the other treatments.
Ensure withdrawal times are adhered to
There are several important reasons to ensure lambs and cows milk withdrawal times are adhered to. First of all, delayed colostrum feeding reduces the animal’s ability to utilize it. Colostrum quality begins to drop within a few hours of parturition. Colostrum is the most important feeding point in a lamb’s life, and it passes on antibodies from its mother and vaccines. The amount of colostrum that is passed on to the lamb is increased when the ewe is well-nourished during pregnancy and the lamb is born a healthy and live animal.
The total daily feeding rate should be at least 10% of the lamb’s body weight. In general, the lamb will need at least four feedings per day, although the more frequent the feedings, the more likely it is that the animal will perform better. Feeding lambs more frequently may improve performance, but it is not necessary. The first 24 hours are crucial for the production of colostrum, and this requires five feedings to fully utilize the colostrum.
Give colostrum
Aside from the health benefits, giving colostrum to lambs is also a way to prevent diseases from affecting the young. Most ewes produce more colostrum than what lambs need. However, a study in Oregon found that ewes of various conditions produced about the same amount of colostrum. Consequently, it is important to give colostrum to lambs when feeding them cow’s milk.
In order to provide colostrum to a lamb, it must be given within the first 24 hours. The milk should be at a rate of at least 10% of the lamb’s body weight. Generally, lambs should receive four feedings a day. Table 2 shows the appropriate feeding frequency. Though more frequent feedings may improve the performance of the lambs, they are not necessary. In addition, feeding more often is not necessary for colostrum to be effective.
Avoid overfeeding
It is possible to overfeed your lambs with cow’s milk if they are still too young. You can substitute cow’s milk for sheep’s milk by using condensed milk, which is more palatable for the lamb. However, the milk must be diluted and given in four equal feeds. Unless you are sure that your lamb has had enough food, you should consider reducing the amount of milk in each feed. Also, keep in mind that cow’s milk does not contain the nutrients found in sheep’s milk. It is therefore advisable to use a high-fat calf milk replacer.
Another way to ensure that your lambs do not drink too much milk is to visually check them. If their skin is loose, they are likely dehydrated and need fluids quickly. A quick spot wash in warm soapy water can help. After washing, be sure to dry them thoroughly. Do not leave any leftover milk or yoghurt on your lambs’ bodies. You can also use a bottle of unflavored electrolyte found in the baby section of drugstores or grocery stores.
Care for unused nipples
When it comes to feeding lambs cows milk, it’s important to be very careful not to waste the nipples. Nipples come in many different shapes and sizes. While some have an opening, others do not. In such cases, you’ll need to carefully cut an X, slit, or hole to open them. Here are some tips to remember:
First, avoid giving your lambs milk that has been pasteurized. You may also need to use molasses to mask the odour. You should also include supplement vitamins and minerals in your lamb’s ration to prevent mineral metabolism complications. Copper toxicity can be prevented by using trace mineralized salt. Vitamin ADE mix contains 10,000 IU of vitamin A activity per gram. Use 50 grams of trace mineralized salt per 100 kg of lamb feed. Under the direction of your veterinarian, you can also give your lamb therapeutic medications.
Nutritional value of colostrum
The nutritional value of colostrum when feeding lamb is significant because it helps protect the lamb or kid from disease. Cow colostrum contains higher levels of antibodies that help the lamb or kid develop an effective immune system. Colostrum is typically harvested about two to three days after parturition. A typical amount is one pound. However, it is suggested to give half of the colostrum to lambs or kids within the first eight hours of birth.
The nutritional value of colostrum when feeding lamb can be determined by how much the lamb will need. A well-fed ewe will produce more than enough colostrum for the lamb. However, a study conducted in Oregon found no differences in colostrum production between ewes with different body conditions. It is important to note that colostrum is not as beneficial to lambs as it is to human beings.