How to raise lambs to grow quickly and healthily: 13 steps to bottle-feeding lambs.

When raising sheep, many people encounter situations where the mother sheep loses her milk, abandons her lambs, or lambs are orphaned shortly after birth. In these situations, bottle-feeding lambs is crucial for their survival and healthy growth. This article will guide you step-by-step – from when to start bottle-feeding, how to prepare the milk, to tips to help lambs eat well and grow quickly. If you're confused about where to begin, this is the most concise and practical guide to help you confidently care for lambs for the first time.

Method 1: Tips for preparing milk for lambs correctly and easily.

Step 1: Consult a veterinarian for a check-up of the lamb before bottle-feeding.

• Take lambs to the veterinarian immediately if you notice they need bottle-feeding. This is often the case when lambs are abandoned by their mothers, their mothers have no milk, or they are orphans. Early examination helps determine their initial health status and reduces the risk of death.

• Have a veterinarian assess the lamb's nutritional needs. The veterinarian will determine if the lamb is cold, weak, or needs special support before beginning the bottle-feeding process.

• Please provide guidance on suitable milk and colostrum substitutes. The veterinarian will specify the type of milk for lambs, the amount of colostrum needed in the first 24 hours, and the correct timing for administration to ensure the lambs absorb sufficient nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

• Ask for more information on the actual care plan. You can ask your veterinarian for advice on how to monitor the lamb's health, how to keep it warm, the appropriate nursing time, and any unusual signs that need early attention.

Step 2: Prepare colostrum as a substitute for lamb.

• Understand the role of colostrum. This is the first milk a mother sheep produces immediately after giving birth, containing concentrated nutrients and natural antibodies. Because lambs are born without antibodies, colostrum helps them build immunity and protect them from many infections.

• Ensure lambs receive the correct amount of colostrum. The basic principle is that lambs need 10% of their body weight in colostrum during the first 24 hours. For example, a 10-pound lamb needs approximately 1 pound of colostrum to stabilize its health and increase its survival rate.

• Purchase colostrum replacement as soon as possible if lambs are abandoned or orphaned. When colostrum cannot be obtained from the mother sheep, a colostrum replacer is a safe and effective alternative.

• Keep a supply of colostrum replacer on hand if you regularly raise sheep. This is an important emergency item, especially during breeding season, allowing you to quickly address any emergencies.

• Look for colostrum replacer at feed stores. Most places that sell feed and supplies for livestock carry products specifically for lambs.

Step 3: Purchase a milk substitute specifically for lambs.

• Prepare a milk substitute for lambs throughout the first 13 weeks of their lives. This is the period when lambs need a stable source of nutrition for growth, especially when they are not nursing.

• Purchase milk substitute at a feed store. Feed stores typically carry milk specifically formulated for lambs. After opening, store in an airtight container to prevent moisture and maintain quality.

• Prevent insects from entering by placing a few bay leaves in the jar. This is a simple trick to deter termites that experienced sheep farmers often use.

• Only use the correct type of milk substitute intended for lambs. Do not use formula intended for cows or other animals, as their nutritional composition is different. Cow's milk does not provide sufficient vitamins, minerals, and energy, and can easily lead to stunted growth or digestive problems in lambs.

Step 4: Prepare your own milk for lambs when you can't buy specialized products.

Prioritize commercially available milk and colostrum substitutes. Commercial products are better nutritionally balanced and safer for lambs. Only prepare your own milk at home if you cannot purchase a commercially available substitute.

Alternative colostrum preparation methods in case of emergency.
One of the following two long-standing, orally transmitted formulas can be applied:

• Formula 1:

  • 740 ml of cow's milk

  • 1 beaten egg

  • 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil

  • 1 teaspoon of glucose

• Formula 2:

  • 600 ml of cow's milk

  • 1 teaspoon of castor oil

  • 1 beaten egg
    These formulas are only temporary solutions for newborn lambs when you cannot find genuine colostrum.

How to prepare milk for lambs at home when you don't have a milk replacer.

• 1 teaspoon butter

• 1 teaspoon of dark corn syrup

• 1 can of unsweetened condensed milk

• Liquid vitamins for lambs (available at feed stores)

Important notes when using homemade formula.

• Use only temporarily; replace with specialized formula as soon as available.

• Mix in small amounts and feed to lambs within a short period to prevent spoilage.

• Monitor stool consistency, feeding behavior, and abdominal condition to make timely adjustments.

Step 5: Prepare the feeding bottle for the lamb properly.

Use an 8-ounce bottle with a soft rubber nipple. This type of bottle is best suited to mimic the natural suckling of lambs, making it easier for them to feed and reducing the risk of choking.

Feed lambs colostrum during the first 24 hours.

• The amount needed for feeding is approximately 10% of body weight.

• Divide the feeding into smaller portions and feed the lambs every two hours to ensure better absorption.

• Pour the correct amount of colostrum into the bottle and feed as soon as possible to boost immunity.

Switch to formula after the initial milk stage.

• Each feeding: approximately 140 ml of milk replacer for lambs.

• Measure the correct amount, put it in a pot, and heat it until it's "warm to the touch," but not too hot to avoid burning the lamb's mouth.

Clean and sterilize baby bottles regularly.

• Use a specialized sterilizing solution for baby bottles or a steam sterilizer.

• Completely remove any milk residue as it is a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Do not use bleach as it can damage the rubber nipples and endanger lambs.

Method 2: Instructions on how to properly and safely bottle-feed lambs.

Step 1: Establish a feeding schedule to ensure steady lamb growth.

Establish a feeding schedule immediately after the first 24 hours. Once the lamb has received enough colostrum, you need to switch to a fixed feeding schedule to stabilize its digestive system and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

Feeding schedule for the next 24 hours after taking colostrum:

• Each feeding: approximately 140 ml of formula.

• Frequency: every 4 hours.

• Record feeding times to ensure a consistent rhythm and avoid skipped feedings.

Feeding schedule from day 2 onwards:

• Each dose: approximately 200 ml.

• Frequency: 4 times/day, maintaining a 4-hour interval to allow the digestive system to gradually adjust.

• Monitor feeding intensity, weight, and activity level to adjust accordingly.

Milk production increased after 2 weeks.

• Increase the amount gradually according to the lamb's suckling ability and growth rate.

• Avoid sudden increases in intake as this can easily cause diarrhea or bloating.

Warm the milk before feeding.

• The ideal temperature is "warm to the touch," similar to when preparing a bottle for a young child.

• Do not let the milk get too hot to avoid burning the lamb's mouth and making it reluctant to nurse.

Step 2: Maintain the correct position for the lamb while bottle-feeding.

Keep the lamb standing upright with its head slightly raised. This is the natural position for lambs to nurse, helping the milk flow in the right direction and reducing the risk of choking. Do not hold or cradle the lamb while nursing, as lying down or tilting the lamb can cause milk to enter the wrong airway.

Allow the lamb to suckle instinctively.

• Once the flask has been measured and warmed, bring the nipple to the lamb's mouth.

• Most lambs will automatically suckle as soon as they sense the nipple of the bottle.

Provide gentle support if the lamb is not yet ready to nurse.

• Gently touch the nipple of the bottle to the lips to stimulate the sucking reflex.

• Hold the bottle steady and avoid squeezing too hard to prevent the milk from flowing too quickly.

Step 3: Add water, hay, and fresh grass after the first week.

Introduce solid food to lambs after one week of bottle feeding. Once their digestive system is stable with colostrum and milk replacer, lambs need to start eating solid food to develop their stomach muscles and get used to eating like the herd.

Provide clean water, hay, and fresh grass daily.

• Place water in an easily accessible location and change it frequently to ensure hygiene.

• Good quality hay helps lambs practice chewing and aids digestion.

• Fresh grass helps supplement nutrition and allows individuals to become accustomed to a natural diet.

• Allow lambs to choose and eat according to their own needs, without forcing them to eat too much.

Let the lambs out into the fields if they are healthy enough.

• Once the lambs are standing steadily, nursing well, and moving around actively, you can let them graze with the rest of the flock.

• This helps lambs learn social behavior, increases their physical activity, and reduces stress.

Step 4: Increase milk production according to the lamb's developmental stage.

Milk production increases after the first two weeks.

• Once the lambs have become accustomed to 200 ml per feeding (4 times/day), gradually increase the amount to meet their growth needs.

• Goal: Increase milk production to approximately 500 ml per feeding, still 4 times a day.

• Increase the amount gradually each day to avoid causing digestive problems.

Continue increasing milk production after 4 weeks of age.

• After maintaining a steady level of 500 ml for about two weeks, gradually increase the amount of milk.

• Target: approximately 700 ml per feeding, 3 times per day.

• Monitor abdominal movements, stool consistency, and activity level to make appropriate adjustments.

Reduce milk production after the 5th–6th week.

• Once the lambs are eating well with hay and fresh grass and are active, the milk supply is reduced to prepare them for weaning.

• Suggested reduction: approximately 500 ml per feeding, twice a day.

• During this stage, lambs will gradually transition to receiving nutrition from solid food.

Step 5: Complete weaning of lambs before 13 weeks of age.

Ensure lambs are completely weaned off milk by 13 weeks of age. At this stage, their digestive systems are sufficiently developed to process solid food without milk.

Switch the diet to natural foods.

• High-quality hay

• Fresh grass and meadows

• Concentrated feed for lambs

• Clean water is always available.

Follow the milk reduction schedule from weeks 5–6.

• Gradually reduce the weight each week to allow the lambs to adapt without stress or digestive problems.

• Keep a record of the times and amounts of milk reduced to track progress.

Method 3: Tips for preventing common diseases when feeding lambs with formula milk.

Step 1: Monitor the lamb after each feeding to ensure it is eating enough and not being overfed.

Observe the shape of the lamb's belly immediately after feeding. This is the quickest way to know if the lamb is getting the right amount of milk.

• A flat belly from the hips to the ribs: the lamb has had enough to eat.

• Noticeably swollen belly: a sign of overfeeding and a need to reduce the amount of milk at the next feeding.

Recognize when lambs are not getting enough milk.

• Still looking for the bottle after finishing the drink.

• They complain a lot and can't stand still.

• A sunken abdomen or hollow sides.

Adjust the amount of milk at the next feeding.

• If your stomach is bloated: slightly reduce the amount of milk to avoid bloating or diarrhea.

• If the lamb's belly is sunken or it demands more suckling: gradually increase the feeding to a level that is appropriate and safe for its digestive system.

Step 2: Preventing hypothermia in bottle-fed lambs

Understanding why lambs are susceptible to hypothermia.

• Abandoned or orphaned lambs, lacking warmth from their mothers and flock, can experience a rapid drop in body temperature.

• This is a dangerous situation, especially in the early hours and during cold weather.

Recognize the early signs of hypothermia.

• Lambs are weak, unsteady on their feet, and have a curved or hunched posture.

• The person was thin, looked weak, and had poor reflexes.

• Rectal temperature measurement: Normal body temperature is 102–103°F (approximately 38.8–39.4°C). A temperature lower than this indicates a problem.

Warm up the lamb properly.

• Wrap the lamb in a warm, dry towel to keep it warm.

• Use a hairdryer on a low setting to gradually warm the hair, avoiding excessive heat.

• A lamb jacket can be used for lambs if they need warmth overnight.

• Do not use heating lamps in the coop as the risk of fire is very high.

Keep the barn draft-free to protect the lambs.

• Protect the barn from drafts, especially in winter.

• Ensure the floor of the pen is dry, and prevent lambs from lying on damp, cold surfaces.

Step 3: Preventing pneumonia in bottle-fed lambs

Understanding why bottle-fed lambs are more susceptible to pneumonia.

• Orphaned or abandoned lambs often do not receive enough natural antibodies, even with colostrum replacement therapy.

• Their weak immune systems make them susceptible to respiratory infections from bacteria and viruses.

Recognize the early signs of pneumonia.

• Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or wheezing.

• Increased heart rate, high fever.

• They stop breastfeeding or breastfeed very little, even though they previously breastfed well.

• The lambs are tired, lie down a lot, and don't move around much.

Keep the coop clean, dry, and free from drafts.

• These are the two leading causes of pneumonia in lambs.

• Always keep the coop floor clean to prevent dampness.

• Seal any gaps to prevent cold wind from blowing directly onto the area where the sheep are lying.

Take immediate action if you suspect a lamb has pneumonia.

• Take the lamb to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

• The veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic and provide instructions on safe dosage.

• Early treatment helps reduce the risk of death and prevent the disease from spreading to other animals.

References

1. http://www.sheep101.info/201/newborns.html
2. http://quakerfarm.com/orphanlambs.html

Translated by: Rene Lee Nguyen .