How to Improve the Survival Rate of Hand-Fed Lambs

Friends who have raised sheep probably know that keeping lambs alive is actually not an easy thing. Problems of various kinds can cause complications, so how do hand-fed lambs survive? Let's take a look together!

1. How hand-fed lambs survive

During the peak lambing period, milk plenty of ewes and put it into mineral water bottles to store in the refrigerator. Before feeding, wash the utensils and both hands to prevent causing lamb diarrhea.

2. Points to note

1. Feed at fixed times. For hand-fed lambs, keep to the set schedule: at first feed once every 3 hours, 4~6 times a day, and as the lambs' days of age increase, gradually reduce the number of daily feedings and increase the amount fed each time.

2. Feed a fixed amount. The milk fed to lambs should be appropriate in amount; at first feed 200~300ml per lamb each time, and as their days of age increase, gradually increase the amount, but the daily amount should preferably not exceed 20% of their own body weight. Afterwards gradually reduce the amount of milk fed.

3. Ensure milk quality. The milk fed to lambs must be fresh and clean, and it should be stirred when heating and distributing so that the milk fat is evenly distributed.

4. Keep the milk temperature constant. The temperature of the milk should be kept at 38°C~40°C; if the milk temperature is too low it easily causes gastrointestinal diseases, and if too high it affects feeding and may even scald the lambs' mouths.