When considering the growing and finishing stages having clear growth rate targets allows you to plan a feeding program to maximise performance against costs.
Colostrum
• To give newborn lambs the best start in life, colostrum quantity, quality and timing are key.
• Newborn lambs should receive a minimum of 50ml/kg of body weight of colostrum within the first six hours of life, with a minimum of 210ml/kg within the first 24 hours. For lambs reared outdoors, increase colostrum allowance by 15%-20%.
• In the first six weeks, lamb growth is at its quickest. Supporting this growth with a high quality milk replacer is key for long-term efficiency.
Creep Feeding
From 4-6 weeks of age, introducing creep feed can be done to increase the suckling lamb’s nutrient intake, supporting targets and stocking densities.
When introducing creep:
• A fresh supply of clean water should always be available.
• Do so carefully to avoid gorging and acidosis.
• Poaching and disease should be considered when thinking about the location of creep feeders.
• It can take up to three weeks for the rumen to fully adapt to new feed.
Growing and Finishing
Pellets are recommended for younger lambs as intakes tend to be higher in comparison to larger nuts. From eight weeks of age, lambs should be at least 18-21kg liveweight, with creep fed systems aiming for the higher end. Monitoring growth rates is key, you should be aiming for a daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 250g-300g, something that can be achieved from grass if quality and quantity suit. If not, consider weaning lambs and moving to a better quality pasture.
Lamb Health Hints
Urinary Calculi
Urinary calculi only occurs in males; it is when salts that are normally excreted in urine precipitate and form stones. The formation of stones is a result of high phosphorus and magnesium salts in the urine. The stones then lodge in the kidney, ureters, bladder, or urethra, blocking the flow of urine. Prolonged blockage may result in the rupture of the bladder, releasing urine into the surrounding tissues.
CCN (Cerebrocortical Necrosis)
Common in lambs which are 4-8 months old, the effect is usually seen two weeks after moving to a new pasture or any dietary changes. In the early stages, lambs go blind, wander aimlessly and often isolate themselves. If left untreated, sheep will die within 3-5 days.
Bloat
When ruminants eat forage, the breakdown of these forms a foam which increases the viscosity of the rumen fluid; preventing small bubbles of gas from getting released. Do not put freshly weaned animals on high clover content pastures and allow animals to adapt.
Acidosis
Acidosis is often caused by sudden changes in the diet, such as the introduction of concentrates. To reduce the risk of this, ensure lambs are introduced to new feeds gradually allowing the rumen to adapt.
