Detailed Explanation of the Correct Feeding Methods for Newborn Lambs

1. After lambs leave the mother's body, they basically rely mainly on breast milk, so the nutrition of the ewe should be strengthened. After birth, lambs must receive the "colostrum" secreted by the ewe within 1-3 days. "Colostrum" has high nutritional value; its protein is 4-5 times that of regular milk, it contains a complete range of vitamins, including vitamins that lambs cannot synthesize, and it is also rich in trace elements. The magnesium salts in "colostrum" have a laxative effect and promote the passage of meconium. At the same time, "colostrum" contains immunoglobulins that regular milk does not have, which can increase the immunity and resistance of lambs and strengthen their constitution.

2. If lambs lacking milk cannot find a "nurse" ewe, they must be fed by humans. Artificial feeding mostly uses goat milk, cow milk, milk powder, etc. Improper feeding of milk powder can easily cause indigestion, leading to lamb dysentery and death, so changes in lamb feces must be observed at all times for early prevention and treatment. To succeed in artificial feeding, feeding must be done at fixed times and in fixed amounts, with a designated person responsible.

(1) For lambs within 1 month of age, feed once every 3 hours; at 1-2 months of age, feed 4 times a day; at 2-3 months of age, feed 3 times a day; after 3 months of age, feed 1-2 times a day. As the age in months increases, gradually reduce the number of feedings and appropriately increase the amount fed each time.

(2) Fixed temperature. The milk temperature for artificial nursing should be close to or slightly higher than the ewe's body temperature, that is, 38°C-42°C is better.

(3) For newborn lambs, subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml of Escherichia coli vaccine can prevent lamb dysentery. For lambs with an overly weak constitution, while giving a warm water bath, 10 ml of glucose calcium chloride can be added to 10 ml of 25% glucose and slowly injected intravenously. Generally, 5-7 days after birth, on a windless and warm sunny day, lambs should be driven outdoors for exercise to strengthen their constitution, improve appetite, promote growth, and reduce disease. Newborn lambs, especially those born to thin and weak ewes, have weaker constitutions, poor vitality, a still low ability to regulate body temperature, and weak resistance to disease. Maintaining a good sanitary environment is beneficial to the growth and development of lambs.

(4) It is best to spread some clean bedding straw in the sheep shed, and keep the room temperature between 5-10°C, without major changes. Newborn lambs, if their constitution is weak, should be placed in a warmer sheep shed or on a heated kang, and the temperature must not exceed body temperature. After they can nurse on their own and their spirits improve, the room temperature can then be gradually lowered to the normal temperature of the sheep shed.

(5) Personnel feeding lamb milk should wash their hands before feeding. Normally, do not come into contact with sick sheep, and reduce or avoid pathogenic factors as much as possible. "Fixed amount" means that each feeding amount should be controlled at the level of "70% full," and overfeeding must be strictly avoided. The specific amount is determined by the lamb's body weight or body size. Generally, the total daily milk amount should be equivalent to 1/5 of the birth weight. When feeding porridge or soup, the amount should be determined according to its thickness and consistency, and the total daily feeding amount should be slightly lower than the milk feeding standard, especially in the first 2-3 days of feeding porridge: give less first, and increase the amount after the lamb gradually adapts. When lambs are healthy and have a good appetite, increase the feeding amount by 1/4-1/3 every 7-8 days compared with the previous period; if there is indigestion, reduce the feeding amount, increase water intake, and take some treatment measures. Newborn lambs should be fed 6 times a day, once every 3-5 hours, and the interval can be extended or the number of feedings reduced during nighttime sleep. After 10 days, feed 4-5 times a day, and when lambs eat grass or feed, this can be reduced to 3-4 times. Han Jinhu