In this second instalment of the 'Lambing Season - Winning at Weaning' series, we discuss the importance of setting up the right feeding system.

Producers willing to invest in a surplus lamb rearing system that can be both time efficient and cost effective will be well positioned to maximise the investment in rearing lambs artificially.

Feeding system

Surplus lambs can now be reared very efficiently off their mothers without the problems associated with fostering onto an unwilling ewe.

Part of this is down to adopting the right ewe milk replacer feeding system that is suited to the farm and the infrastructure available.

Flock size and number of surplus lambs will have a big bearing on the feeding method adopted, but each system can be tailored to save time.  

Dr. Jessica Cooke, R&D manager at Lamlac explained: “Whether it’s a bottle by hand, rack system, milk bucket, or computerised feeder, each method has the potential to be part of a simple and time efficient system.

"For machine and bucket feeding, teat height set up should be 12-15in from the ground, around shoulder height of the lambs, to ensure easy access.”

For larger producers with a significant number of surplus lambs, a computerised feeder is certainly an attractive labour-saving option, keeping milk at a constant temperature to maintain consistent growth rates across the lambs, while allowing ad-lib feeding access.

However, while labour input at feeding can be reduced, Dr. Cooke explains that good hygiene is still essential.

“Farmers are undoubtedly attracted by the labour-saving benefits that machine rearing brings, allowing time to focus on other important jobs. 

Lambing pens must be draught-free, well drained, with a deep bedding to keep lambs as warm and dry as possible.

Clean, fresh water also needs to be available, along with creep feed (18% crude protein) offered ad lib to encourage early intake. 

With good husbandry, organisation and the right milk replacer, such as Lamlac, there is no doubt you can produce good quality lambs, while reducing time input significantly. 

“Simple tips such as ensuring that bottles are washed and sterilised immediately after feeding will ensure they are ready for the next feed without hold-ups.

"Implementing small changes like these will help if there are alternating people feeding the lambs," Dr. Cooke said.

Shed considerations

If you lamb indoors, sheds should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before ewes are brought inside (at least two weeks before lambing).

Use plenty of clean, dry bedding to reduce the risk of spreading lameness and other infections such as watery mouth, joint ill, and coccidiosis.

Good lighting is important too because it makes it so much easier to check stock without disturbing them too much. 

Avoid overcrowding pens, otherwise stress and disease issues can spiral out of control.

“A typical 70kg ewe needs 1.2m² to 1.4m² of floor space and 45cm of trough space to feel comfortable.

"Good husbandry, a high-quality milk replacer, along with an artificial feeding system that is suited to the farm, will contribute to a successful lambing season,” Dr. Cooke said.

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