Whether you have just a few surplus lambs each spring or a significant number requiring rearing away from the ewe, using a high-quality ewe milk replacer will ensure lambs achieve a substantial return on the investment in pre-weaning nutrition.

Across the four articles in this series, Dr. Jessica Cooke from Lamlac will highlight why putting an effective surplus lamb rearing system in place will allow producers to successfully take surplus lambs from days old through to weaning. 

Dr. Cooke said: “The early stages of a lamb’s life are critical, and rearing surplus lambs requires feeding a good quality, proven ewe milk replacer, alongside good husbandry practices, to capitalise on the lamb’s pre-weaning growth potential.

“The aim for producers should be weaning as soon as possible, and a high-quality milk replacer ensures key growth rate targets are met and weaning can happen at an average of 35 days-of-age.”

'Lambing Season - Winning at Weaning' series

The first article in the series will explore trial data on cold milk feeding and it could be a viable option for lamb producers who are struggling with time and labour resources.

Dr. Cooke explains: “There is now significant data from trial work to show that feeding milk replacer cold to lambs up to weaning can deliver growth rates that are comparable to feeding warm milk replacer.

"The key is using a high-quality milk replacer that can be mixed and fed cold, as opposed to mixing it warm and letting it cool.

The second article will look at good husbandry and cleanliness that support lambs in the early stages of life. It will detail different feeding setups, whether that is by hand, from a rack system, or via a bucket or computerised feeder.

“Producers should ensure that all newborn lambs receive sufficient colostrum (50ml/kg liveweight per feed and a minimum of 210ml/kg liveweight within the first 24 hours)," Dr. Cooke said.

"However, after this, it’s down to Lamlac to provide the essential nutrition required to support growth and keep lambs healthy.”

Weaning is the focus for the third article and how a high-quality milk replacer can help meet all three growth targets consistently. Abrupt weaning will also ensure effective transition away from milk replacer and reduce the risk of digestive upset.

“Flockmasters should be looking to wean surplus lambs when they reach a combination of 2.5 times their birthweight (9-10kg), a minimum of 35-days-old, and are consuming 250g of solid feed per day for 10 days."

"Achieving these three at the same time will enable milk replacer to be removed abruptly from the lamb’s diet," Dr. Cooke said.  

The fourth and final feature will conclude with some top tips to focus on throughout the lambing season and how producers can maximise their returns this season.

“Whatever your surplus lamb rearing method, choosing Lamlac as a premium ewe milk replacer, and following best practice guidelines for weaning, will contribute to producing high-quality surplus lambs this season,” Dr. Cooke said.

To find your local Lamlac representative, visit the Ireland Team page here.