Spring Farming
Promoting early growth in lambs is crucial
For most sheep enterprises, maximising lamb output is key to profitability on farm.
In the AHDB Beef and Lamb stocktake report 2016, it is estimated that for every 100 ewes put to the ram, on average eight lambs die in the first 48 hours of life.
Colostrum: CRITICAL FOR LAMB SURVIVAL
“Colostrum as a first feed provides energy, protein, and immunoglobulins that are vital for promoting lamb survival and kick starting growth,” said John Lynch of Kellihers Feed & Agri, Ballymullen, Tralee. It is estimated that 180 – 290ml/kg bodyweight is required by the lamb in the first 18 hours after birth, this should be split into small frequent meals. For example, a 4kg twin lamb should consume between 720 and 1160ml of colostrum within the first 18 hours of life.
Milk REPLACERS
“Promoting early growth in lambs is crucial when aiming to improve lifetime performance and enterprise productivity. For young lambs, ewes milk provides the correct balance of nutrients for growth, however in some circumstances ewes milk is not available, and so a good quality alternative is required,” added John.
Lamb milk replacers are specifically formulated to supply readily digestible energy and protein. Utilising high quality ingredients, with an emphasis on maximising the use of dairy ingredients, milk replacers can be a viable option for cade lambs or where lambs are reared artificially on dairy sheep farms. Milk replacers contain a balanced supplement of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements; aiming to help support lamb growth and vigour.
Feeding FOR DEVELOPMENT
Alongside milk, housed lambs should be offered clean, fresh water, forage, and concentrate feed to help promote rumen development. As concentrate intakes increase, water intakes will also rise, and development of the rumen will start to occur. At weaning, the aim is to have a well-developed rumen so that lambs can fully utilise their diet post-weaning and minimise the weaning growth check. Lambs reared at grass will slowly increase their grass intake whilst on their mothers, slowly developing the rumen utilising the fibres and sugars in the grass.
Focussing on lamb nutrition throughout early life is key to promoting lamb survival and increasing enterprise output, one crucial area in improving farm profitability. For more information call John Lynch at Kellihers Feed & Agri, Ballymullen, Tralee on 086-8136865.