Lambs can be successfully reared artificially without the problems of fostering onto an unwilling ewe. There are several methods available. With any system though, combining a good quality milk replacer, with good husbandry and good organisation can save hours and produce quality lambs.
Top Tips for artificially rearing lambs:
- Teat height: teats should be positioned 12-15 inches from the ground.
- Number of teats: Ensure a maximum of 10 lambs per teat for ad-lib systems – 6-8 is ideal.
- Water: provide access to fresh, clean water at a height which is easily accessible to lambs at all times.
- Dry Feed: top quality creep feed should be offered fresh at least once a day, with refusals being fed to older stock (e.g. ewes).
- Roughage: do not feed ad-lib roughage (e.g. hay) during milk feeding as this can depress concentrate intake and delay weaning.
- Group size: have a maximum of 25 lambs per pen. Keep similar age and size together.
- Environment: a clean, dry straw-bedded lying area should be provided which is well ventilated, but draught-free.
- Hygiene: all feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned each day and disinfected twice weekly. Inspection: check the lambs at least twice a day.
Train lambs to suckle the teat: be patient! Remove the lamb from the ewe at 24hrs (48hrs max). Leave the lamb for a few hours to become hungry. Introduce to the teat gently.
How to mix lamb milk replacer
Mix 200 grams of Volac Lamlac with water to make up 1 litre of mixed milk (20% concentration). E.g. 200g Volac Lamlac + 800ml water = 1L mixed milk.
- If feeding warm: mix and feed at 39°C/102°F. Don't use hot water (above 45°C) to mix the milk replacer as this may damage the sensitive proteins which are essential to lamb performance.
- If feeding cold: mix and feed cold. Do not mix warm and allow to cool.