Lamb Care
API Products Shandong YingLang Chemical Co.,Ltd , https://www.sdylhgtrade.com
Proper management of lambing is essential for ensuring the health and survival of newborn lambs. Immediately after birth, it's crucial to clear the lamb’s mouth, nose, and eyes of any amniotic fluid or mucus. Gently wiping the lamb and holding it in front of the ewe allows the mother to lick the lamb, which helps stimulate breathing and strengthens the bond between mother and offspring. If the ewe doesn’t show interest, you can use clean hay or gauze to dry the lamb and encourage her to accept it. For weak or nearly lifeless lambs, gently shaking their hind legs and applying a firm tap on the chest may help revive them. In severe cases, artificial respiration might be necessary.
In most cases, the umbilical cord will naturally break within minutes. If not, it should be carefully cut 8–10 cm from the lamb’s body using sterilized scissors, and then treated with iodine to prevent infection. Healthy lambs usually stand up within 15–20 minutes and begin searching for the udder. At this point, the first milk (colostrum) should be expressed from the ewe’s udder and offered to the lamb. If the lamb struggles to find the teat, gentle assistance may be needed. Before the first feeding, the ewe’s teats should be cleaned with warm water, and the lamb should be encouraged to nurse within 90 minutes of birth. Newborn lambs have small stomachs, so they should be fed every 2–3 hours to ensure adequate nutrition.
Lamb transfer procedures are important for managing the flock. Lambs can typically be moved to the main sheep house 2–4 hours after birth. Mark both the mother and lamb with paint on the same side—left for single lambs, right for twins. This helps identify and track the animals during production. Weak lambs may be transferred later, depending on their condition. When moving lambs, ensure the environment is well-insulated, with no drafts or leaks. A layer of straw or reed mats along the walls can help maintain warmth. The ideal temperature range is 4°C to 6°C, and the area should remain dry and free from excessive moisture.
Newborn and weak lambs are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia, which is a leading cause of death in young lambs. A healthy lamb’s body temperature should be between 39°C and 40°C. If it drops below 36°C or 37°C, immediate action is required to prevent fatal consequences. Hypothermia often occurs due to failure to dry the lamb within 5 hours of birth, leading to excessive heat loss, or lack of feeding after 6 hours, causing energy depletion. To treat hypothermic lambs, place them in a warm environment, such as a wooden box under an infrared lamp positioned about 120 cm above the lamb. Other methods like using a heat pad or placing the lamb close to the ewe can also help raise body temperature quickly. Prompt intervention is key to saving the lamb’s life.