How to Rear Lambs on Milk Replacer

For a new lamb, the best way to ensure it will be healthy is to let it nurse from its mother. However, sometimes circumstances prevent this from happening, such as the death of the ewe or a diminished milk supply. When natural feeding is not possible, a milk replacer can be used. It is important to use the milk replacer properly for the lamb to grow up healthy and strong. Colostrom should be fed first, with the milk replacer following in varying amounts by age.

Things You'll Need

  • Colostrum
  • Scale
  • Milk replacer
  • Baby bottle
  • Starter feed
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Instructions

  1. First 24 Hours

    • 1

      Obtain colostrum. If possible, milk the ewe who birthed the lamb. Otherwise, purchase a colostrum substitute at your local feed store.

    • 2

      Weigh the lamb. This will determine the amount of colostrum it needs.

    • 3

      Measure out 3 oz. of colostrum for each pound of the lamb's weight and put it in a baby bottle.

    • 4

      Warm the bottle of colostrum to room temperature if necessary. To do this, set it in a bowl of warm water -- do not put it in a microwave. If it is heated too much it will kill the antibodies in the colostrum that the lamb needs.

    • 5

      Repeat Steps 3 and 4 at least every three hours for the first 24 hours of the lamb's life.

    After the First 24 Hours

    • 6

      Mix 8 oz. of milk replacer in a bottle according to the directions on the package.

    • 7

      Feed the lamb four times a day.

    • 8

      Increase feeding amount to 12 oz. and feed three times a day when the lamb is 10 days old. Begin supplementing feedings with a starter feed and hay.

    • 9

      Feed twice a day at 3 weeks old with 16-oz. portions. Continue with starter feed and hay.

    • 10

      Wean lambs at 6 weeks, unless the lamb weighs less than 20 lbs. If it weighs less, continue to use the milk replacer until the lamb is the proper weight to be weaned.