Ewe colostrum has a thick, sticky consistency due to the total solids in colostrum being over double of solids present in normal ewe’s milk. Those additional solids result from additional proteins, known as immunoglobins (IgGs), as well as 15% fat content which provides the colostrum with high-energy values, valuable to the lamb.
Lambs are born with an immunological disadvantage due to immunoglobulins being unable to be passed through the placenta to the lamb during pregnancy, making them particularly vulnerable to diseases. During the first two hours of life the gut is 20-30% efficient at absorbing IgGs, but the capability of the gut declines to 0% after 24 hours. Consequently, it is crucial that lambs receive colostrum soon after birth in order to absorb sufficient antibodies to reduce the risk of disease and mortality.
Colostrum is rich in energy and nutrients that are essential for growth and promoting warmth in the lambs first few hours of life, reducing the risk of hypothermia. It also acts as a natural laxative - helping to stimulate natural movement in the digestive tract of the lamb.
How much to feed?
Newborn lambs should be receiving small and frequent feeds with a maximum of 50ml/kg bodyweight per feed, with a minimum of 210ml/kg bodyweight being fed in the first 24 hours.
Colostrum intake in the first 24hrs:
| Body Weight (KG) | Maximum Amount Per Feed (ML) | Minimum amount within 24hrs (ML) |
| 3 | 150 | 630 |
| 4 | 200 | 840 |
| 5 | 250 | 1050 |
| 6 | 300 | 1260 |
For lambs reared outdoors colostrum allowance can be increased by 15-20%.
How to manage colostrum
Colostrum should be fed warm at 39 degrees. The colostrum should NOT be microwaved or heated directly to a temperature over 45 degrees, as this will cause the protein in the colostrum to deteriorate destroying antibodies.
Colostrum should be harvested using clean hands and gloves as lambs are born with a permeable gut membrane to allow lgG uptake which also leaves the gut susceptible to
pathogens. Cleanliness is vital to avoid contamination.
Fresh colostrum should be used immediately after being collected. Colostrum will stay fresh in a fridge (four degrees) for up to seven days and will remain effective when frozen (-18 to -20) for up to six months. It is beneficial to store the colostrum in small amounts for ease of defrosting. Once defrosted colostrum cannot be refrozen.
Passive Immunity from Vaccinations
Clostridial diseases and Pasteurella are one of the most common causes of death in lambs. Vaccinating ewes and giving their booster four weeks before lambing allows for passive immunity via the colostrum. Some vaccines cover Pasteurella and Clostridial diseases whereas others differ in the number of Clostridial diseases they protect against. The passive immunity provided against Pasteurella only lasts for three weeks whereas against clostridial diseases it varies between eight and 12 weeks depending on the product.
Choosing the right product is farm specific; options that cover Pasteurella are more expensive so evaluate whether Pasteurella is a challenge on your farm. Also, dosing your lambs pre weaning to continue their protection is vital when the passive immunity of the product you have chosen lapses.
