Lamb Lactation

Lactation of lambs and kids is crucial for the growth and productivity of lambs and kids. Great care must be taken in its management and products of excellent quality must be selected.

Newborn lambs and kids must be given colostrum within the first 6 hours of their life, as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first two hours, which is vital as it provides the necessary antibodies for the immunization of young animals. The absorption of antibodies decreases over time.

Then the lamb and kid lactation period begins, which is recommended to be artificial with the use of a milk replacer, specially designed for lambs and kids, such as ELVOR LAMBS & KIDS VEG 60.

Artificial lactation serves multiple births, as well as intensive breeding systems, while giving the producer the ability to better control the growth rate of the animals and the hygiene of the milk they provide. The complete milk replacer ELVOR LAMBS & KIDS VEG 60 has consistently high quality and characteristics that ensure the desired development of lambs and kids.

ELVOR LAMBS & KIDS VEG 60 contains 60% skimmed milk powder and contributes to achieving animal growth goals until weaning. Its proteins come 100% from milk products, are easily digestible and, combined with the zero presence of vegetable fiber, do not create problems in the digestive system of lactating lambs and goats. The addition of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiaeNCYC Sc47:10.109) supports digestive health and helps the proper development of the intestinal microflora of lambs. Finally, the presence of chelated trace elements (Iron, Zinc, Manganese) and organic selenium ensures optimal absorption and utilization of nutrients and maximum efficiency of the milk replacer.

ELVOR LAMBS & KIDS VEG 60 has 25% protein, 25% fat and 0.00% fiber, making it a top choice for lactating lambs and kids. The lactation program lasts 6 to 7 weeks. This way, weaning of the animals is achieved at the desired time and stage of development.

Particular importance must be given to the method, temperatures and dosages of preparing the milk substitute. The appropriate amount of milk powder should be added to water at a temperature of 45-50°C until it reaches the desired consistency. Equally important is the temperature at which the milk is placed on the lambs and kids, which should be 40°C.

From the first week of life of lambs and kids, and in combination with artificial lactation, the animals should be offered solid food, such as LAMB STARTER. The gradual consumption of solid food contributes to the development of the rumen of lambs and kids, which are not fully formed at birth. Thus, lambs and kids achieve a smooth transition from milk consumption to the exclusive consumption of solid food after weaning.

Weaning occurs at 35-40 days of age and the body weight of lambs and kids approaches 15 kg at this stage. At the time of weaning, the animals must have fully developed rumen and digestive system and be able to feed exclusively on solid food.

Correct and careful management of the lactation period of lambs and kids leads to weaned and adult animals of optimal performance and productivity.