L3 Animal Production Module 2 Rearing Practices for Lambs

SEFIKENG CAMPUS NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) PRIMARY AGRICULTURE SUBJECT: ANIMAL PRODUCTION LEVEL: 3 LECTURER: MBHELE M.L MODULE 2 UNIT 2 TOPIC: REARING PRACTICES FOR LAMBS Downloaded from hlayiso.com

RECAP • KNOWLEDGE ON NATURAL GRAZING AND SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING • FEEDING REQUIREMENTS IN DIFFERENT PRODUCTION SITUATIONS Downloaded from hlayiso.com

INTRODUCTION • In many sheep flocks there are orphaned lambs and many prolific ewes have too many lambs for the milking ability of the natural mother. In many of these cases, the most natural and economical route is to foster these lambs. Artificial rearing should only be considered when the option to foster is impossible. However, in sheep milking operations lambs drain total marketable milk yield, and artificial rearing is a blanket option. Typically, this involves the use of a commercial substitute for ewe's milk, although some fortified mixtures of bovine waste milk have been used successfully. Another critical component is the rapid adaptation to solid feed. This will ease the lambs' dependence on human intervention and prove to be economical. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

CREEP-FEEDING • Getting young lambs off to a good start sets the table for the potential for a healthy, fast growing, profitable lamb. Creep feeding young lambs provides an opportunity to get lambs started on feed at a much younger age. These lambs then have the potential for optimal weaning weights and can have added bloom and finish. • Lambs that have been fed lamb creep feed rations often experience less stress at weaning as they are used to being fed. Minimizing stress at weaning can positively impact health and performance. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

LAMB CREEP PEN • A creep pen is designed for young lambs to have access to additional feed concentrates separate from their mothers and other mature sheep • A lamb creep pen should be set up to allow the lambs continuous access to fresh creep feed and a clean and dry environment. The creep gate should be adjusted to ensure access for the lambs but prevent the ewes from gaining access to the creep pen and lamb creep feeder. The creep area should be large enough for several lambs to eat at one time. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

LAMB CREEP PEN • A heat lamp or light is often used in colder climates to encourage lambs to find the creep pen. The creep pen and feeder should be setup and available shortly after the ewes and lambs are let out of the lambing pens. The young lambs will soon find that the clean, dry, well-lit creep pen is good place to find feed. Lambs will often explore the creep pen or even nibble on hay or grain in the creep pen as early as 5-7 days of age. However, most lambs will not eat much creep feed until 4-5 weeks of age. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

LAMB CREEP FEEDERS • Whether using a self-feeder or a hand feeding, the lamb creep feeders need to be clean. Lambs won’t eat out of a feeder that is dirty or wet. Make sure the lamb creep feeder is free from manure, dirt, straw and excessive moisture. Most sheep breeders will keep feed in the creep feeder at all times. This ensures every lamb will have access to feed every time it goes in the creep pen. Many producers also like to keep good fine stemmed hay available in the creep pen. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

CHOOSING THE BEST CREEP FEED FOR LAMBS • A lamb creep feed ration should be between 15-20 percent crude protein, 2-5.5 percent fat and a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. The specific feed that works best will be determined by the genetic make- up of the sheep and the intended market. For example, purebred breeders may like a 20 percent creep pellet for added growth. Club Lamb producers like added fat to produce bloomier lambs at sale time. Some producers like the consistency of feeding a 16 percent to both the ewes and lambs and through the lambs’ grower phase. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

CREEP FEEDING IMAGE Downloaded from hlayiso.com