Lamb rearing guidebook

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LAMB REARING GUIDEBOOK AND OTHER INFANT ANIMALS

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LAMB REARING

GUIDEBOOK AND OTHER INFANT ANIMALS

Lamb Milk Replacer NZAgbiz Ltd’s milk replacers are specially formulated for feeding lambs in New Zealand. They are also suitable for feeding to goat kids, piglets, puppies, fawns, cria and foals. This brochure primarily looks at rearing lambs but also contains feeding guidelines for goat kids, foals, fawns, piglets, puppies and cria (infant alpaca). For further information on feeding please call NZAgbiz on 0800 809 011 or visit our website www.nzagbiz.com. Feeding lambs Colostrum is essential for young lambs. A newborn lamb should receive colostrum from its mother within 6-12 hours of birth. This colostrum feeding would naturally be continued for the next 4 days. If this has not occurred its chances for survival are greatly reduced. After ensuring the Lamb has received colostrum, anLamb™ or Denkavit Lamb should be introduced. Hygiene Lambs navels should be checked and sprayed with iodine to prevent navel infection. All feeding and mixing equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between feeds. Pens should be cleaned prior to lambs arriving and between batches of lambs.

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ANLAMB™ anLamb™ milk replacer is a specialised milk powder sourced wholly from cow’s milk in New Zealand. The formulation contains essential vitamins and minerals required for early growth and development. anLamb™ contains no coccidiostat and thus is safe for all label claim species. anLamb™ can be fed to young animals such as lambs, goat kids, foals, fawns, puppies, piglets and cria.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Metabolisable 21 MJ/kg Energy Fat Protein

26% 26%

Lactose Minerals Moisture

38% 6.5% 3.5%

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DENKAVIT LAMB Denkavit Lamb is one of New Zealands leading lamb milk replacers, proudly manufactured by Fonterra and marketed by NZAgbiz Ltd. Denkavit Lamb is specially formulated to supply lambs with essential vitamins and minerals required for early growth and development. Denkavit Lamb can also be fed to other young animals such as goat kids, piglets, puppies, piglets, foals, fawns and cria.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Metabolisable 21 MJ/kg Energy Fat Protein Lactose Minerals Moisture

26% 26% 38% 6.5% 3.5%

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JUMP-START Full Cream Colstrum

Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum is a full cream colostrum powder, and is designed as a natural supplement for newborn animals that have received little or no colostrum at birth. It is an antibody supplement that will provide a level of IgG to a newborn animal. Jump-Start™ has added vitamins and minerals and is high in Vitamins A and E, and Niacin. For maximum lgG uptake Jump-Start™ should be fed solely on day 1. For days 2 to 4 it is recommended that the animal receives 1 feed of Jump-Start™ and 1 feed of milk or a suitable milk replacer each day. Feeding recommendations: 150g Jump-Start™ to 1 Litre of warm water.

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Protein 42% Fat 27%

Jump-Start is available from rural ™

retailers nationwide. Each 600 grams sachet makes 4 litres of colostrum milk. Colostrum is well recognised as being of benefit to ill or scouring calves.

Lactose Moisture

22% 3%

Minerals IgG

6% 7%

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BRUTUS Pig Food Milk Powder

Brutus™ is a high protein milk powder supplement for feeding to weaners and mature pigs. If feeding Brutus™ to pigs under 5 weeks of age - feed in conjunction with pig meal or molasses. Brutus™ can be fed as a liquid milk or mixed with dry-feed. For best results feed Brutus™ in-conjunction with pig meal or alternative pig supplements. Brutus™ is not designed to be fed to any animal breeds other than pigs. It is not a complete infant animal feed. Do not feed to calves, lambs, fawns, puppies or any other infant animals. The typical metabolic energy of

TYPICAL ANALYSIS Protein 31% Fat Lactose Moisture Ash

Brutus™ is between 14 -16 mega joules.

8% 50% 4% 7%

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lamb milk replacer FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS FEEDING LAMBS Colostrum is essential for young lambs. A newborn lamb should receive colostrum from its mother within 6-12 hours of birth. This colostrum feeding would naturally be continued for the next 4 days. If no colostrum is available Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum can be used as a suitable alternative for the first day. For the next 3 days a lamb milk replacer (anLamb™ or Denkavit Lamb ) should be fed in conjunction with Jump-Start™. For special instructions see page 3 on Jump-Start™. Hygiene Lambs navels should be checked and sprayed with iodine to prevent navel infection. All feeding and mixing equipment must be thoroughly cleaned between feeds. Pens should be cleaned prior to lambs arriving and between batches of lambs. Feeding recommendations Always follow the feeding instructions, do not increase volumes as lambs are susceptible to bloating and/or scouring from overfeeding. Check the hole in the teat is not too big as this can also cause bloating. Tip the bottle upside down. If the milk is free flowing from the teat the hole is too big. If lambs are weak and unable to suck, they should be fed colostrum and/or a lamb milk replacer using a lamb reviver (tube feeder).

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lamb milk replacer FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS Mix the lamb milk replacer @200g/litre of water. Add milk replacer to half of the required volume and mix thoroughly. Top up with water to the required volume ensuring that the temperature of the milk is 40oC. Each bag contains a 40g scoop** (= this makes 200mls of milk) As a guide: Scoops of powder

Milk volume made

1

200ml

2

400ml

3

600ml

4

800ml

5

1 litre

** The correct weight may vary depending on the density of the powder and the level of the scoop. Check with a set of kitchen scales for accuracy.

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lamb milk replacer FEEDING RATE Feeding rates Mixing rate is constant at 200g/litre Age of lamb

Number of

Volume per

Number 40g

(days)

feeds per day

feed (mls)

scoops required per feed

1 day

6

100

colostrum

2 to 4

6

150

<0.5

5 to 7

4

250

1.25

8 to 21

4

350

1.75

21 to weaning

2

500

2.5

Fresh clean water should also be available at all times. A meal concentrate and / or hay may be offered from day 7.

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WEANING TROUBLESHOOTING Weaning Lambs should be weaned gradually. This can be done by reducing the number of feeds to one 500ml feed per day. This is best done for at least one week before the lamb is taken off milk. Lambs must have been eating solid food for a minimum of 10 days and be drinking water freely at time of weaning. As a general guide, lambs should be at least 40 days old and weigh approximately 15kgs. Troubleshooting There are various reasons why hand reared lambs can become sick. Some common ailments are: Scouring is often a simple nutritional disorder caused by overfeeding. It is important to follow feeding instructions. In pet lambs it is common for lambs to be poisoned when they begin to nibble plants. This is particularly common with children’s pet lambs where they are often out of the rearing area, and able to get to poisonous plants. Playing with lambs in the garden area is a good example of where this may occur. Bloat is one of the leading causes of death in lambs and goat kids and is a severe condition that requires urgent attention. Bloat is generally caused by a gas-producing bacteria called Sarcina ventriculi which is commonly found in the ground. Upon detection of bloat immediately contact your vet for advice. Sudden death is often a sign that the lamb has been poisoned, usually from nibbling on a plant poisonous to the lamb.

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MANAGEMENT tips Management tips When reducing twins to a single, it is best to remove the smaller lamb. When reducing triplets to twins it is best to leave the best-matched pair. Lambs should be left to ‘settle’ for 6-8 hours after removal (unless very weak) before feeding colostrum or milk. Cold and hunger are the leading causes of death in newborn lambs. Weak and cold lambs should be kept warm and dry at approximately 25ºC, and fed 150mls of warm lamb milk replacer every 2 hours, until appetite increases, at which point normal feeding should be introduced. For commercial rearing, 1 square metre per lamb should be allowed and a maximum of 15 lambs per pen.

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feeding GOAT KIDS Feeding Goat Kids Like other young animals, it is important that kids receive colostrum at birth. Where possible leave the kid with the nanny for 24 hours after birth. If nanny colostrum is not available fresh cow colostrum or Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum are suitable alternatives. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer. Ensure clean fresh water is available ad lib and a meal can be introduced from week 2. Feeding recommendations Mix 160 grams of anLamb™ per litre of water. Add anLamb™ to half of the required volume of water and mix thoroughly. Top up with water to the correct volume and ensure the temperature of the milk is about 40oC. Always follow the feeding instructions, do not increase volumes or concentrations above recommended levels.

Age of kid (days)

Number of feeds per day

Volume per feed (mls)

Number 40g scoops required per feed

1 day

6

100

Colostrum

2 to 4

6

150

1/2

5 to 7

4

250

1 scoop

8 to 21

3

450

> 1 scoop

21 to weaning

2

500

2

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feeding FOALS Feeding Foals It is important that foals receive colostrum within 4 hours of birth. It is unlikely a foal will survive if it does not receive colostrum. If colostrum is not available from the mare, Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum should be fed. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer. Ensure clean fresh water is available from day 1, and from first week high protein, high energy pellets should be offered. Feeding recommendations anLamb™ should be mixed at 100 grams per litre of water, and the feeding guide below should be followed. DO NOT increase the concentration (100gm/litre), however volumes may vary depending on the size and strength of the foal. IMPORTANT: These tables are a guide only. Feed requirements vary between 21% and 25% of bodyweight. If in doubt contact your vet. HORSE Age of foal

Feeds per day

Quantity per feed (mls)

anLamb™ per feed (gms)

Total volume per day (l)

up to 2 weeks

12

900

90

10.8

2-6 weeks12

1100

110

13.2

6-12 weeks

8

1300

130

10.4

12-21 weeks

6

1500

150

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Feeds per day

Quantity per feed (mls)

anLamb™ per feed (gms)

Total volume per day (l)

up to 2 weeks

12

720

70

8.6

2-6 weeks12

1000

100

10

6-12 weeks

8

1100

110

8.8

12-21 weeks

6

1300

130

7.8

PONY Age of foal

From 21 weeks the amount of milk should be gradually reduced over a 3 week period. Ensure that the foal is strong and consuming adequate amounts of foal pellets and soft hay.

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feeding FAWNS Feeding Fawns Ensure that fawns receive colostrum at birth. Colostrum should be available for at least 24 hours, and longer if possible. If hind colostrum is not available fresh cow, goat or Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum are suitable alternatives. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer. Clean fresh water should be available at all times. Feeding recommendations Mix 240 grams of anLamb™ per litre of water. Add anLamb™ to half of the required volume of water and mix thoroughly. Top up with water to the correct volume and ensure the temperature is about 40oC. Always follow the feeding instructions, do not increase volumes or concentrations above recommended levels.

Age of red deer fawn (days)**

Number of feeds per day

Volume per feed (mls)

Number 40g scoops required per feed

1 day

6

150

colostrum

2 to 4

6

150

1

5 to 7

6

150

1

8 to 10

4

300

2

11 to 14

3

500

3

14 to weaning

3

650

4

**Fallow deer fawns require 1/2 of the feeding rates for red deer.

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feeding PIGLETS Feeding Piglets It is important the piglet receives colostrum at birth. Colostrum should be available for at least 24 hours. If colostrum is not available from the sow, Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum should be fed. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer. Feeding recommendations Mix 160 grams of anLamb™ per litre of water. Add anLamb™ to half of the required volume of water and mix thoroughly. Top up with water to the correct volume and ensure the temperature of the milk is 40oC.

Age of piglet (days)

Number of feeds per day

Volume milk per feed (mls)

1 day

8

20 - 30 colostrum

2

8

20 - 30 anLamb™

3-7

6

40 - 50 anLamb™

8 to 14*

6

80 - 100 anLamb™

15 - weaning*

adlib

adlib anLamb™

* Encourage piglets to drink from an autofeeder or shallow dish as early as possible. Introduce milk based feeds to the piglets at 8 - 14 days.

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feeding PUPPIES Feeding Puppies It is important that puppies receive colostrum within the first 12 hours of birth. Ideally the puppies should receive colostrum from a bitch, but if this is not possible JumpStart™ Full Cream Colostrum should be fed. Jump-Start™ is available from your rural retailer. Feeding recommendations Mix 200 grams of anLamb™ per litre of water. Ensure the water has been pre boiled and bought down to a suitable feeding temperature of 38oC before adding the anLamb™ powder. Always follow the feeding instructions, do not increase volumes or concentrations above recommended levels. Breed ! Mixing Rate ! Age of Animal "

Small Dog 200g per litre Feeds per day

1 - 3 days

Medium Dog 200g per litre

Milk per feed (ml)

Feeds per day

Milk per feed (ml)

Large Dog 200g per litre Feeds per day

Milk per feed (ml)

Feed colostrum (10% of bodyweight)

4 - 7 days

10

3

10

5

10

10

1 - 2 weeks

10

4

10

7

10

20

2 - 4 weeks

5

12

5

15

5

40

4 - 8 weeks

3

25

3

30

3

60

8 - 12 weeks

3

45

3

50

3

80

Puppies need to be fed by bottle and teat until their eyes are open. Puppies can then lap milk. When lapping begins drinking water must be readily available to the puppies. IMPORTANT NOTE: Puppies must be stimulated to defecate and urinate after each feed. Consult your veterinarian or breeder for particular advice about caring for your breed of puppy. Feeding recommendations for Adult dogs 100 grams of anLamb™ mixed into dry feed is an excellent supplement to the daily requirement of working dogs and nursing bitches.

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feeding CRIA Feeding Cria (infant alpaca) If bottle feeding from birth, it is important that colostrum is fed to cria within 6 hours of birth and then for at least 2 days. If alpaca colostrum is not available then colostrum from deer, goats or cows may be used. Alternatively Jump-Start™ Full Cream Colostrum is available from your rural retailer. Research and information on feeding cria is not abundant in New Zealand. Feeding recommendations below are a guideline only, as many rearers are still working on ‘trial and error’ with rates and concentrations. We would appreciate your feedback of experience with hand rearing cria. Phone us on 0800 809 011. Feeding recommendations Unlike many other infant animals, cria will stop feeding when they are full, so it is best to offer them more than you expect them to drink. Mix 200 grams1 of anLamb™ per litre of water. Add anLamb™ to one third of the required volume of water and mix thoroughly. Top up with water to the correct volume and temperature.

Age of cria (days)

1.

Number of feeds per day

Volume per feed (mls)

Number 40g scoops required per feed

1 to 42

6

100

1/2

5 to 14

6

150

1

15 to 21

4

200

1

22 - weaning3

3

350

2

Some rearers have reported increasing this concentration if weight gain is not adequate.

2.

Cria should be fed colostrum for the first 2 days, at least. anLamb™ should only be fed during this time if no form of colostrum is available.

3.

Bottle fed cria often wean themselves earlier than naturally suckled cria. This may happen from around 3 months.

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ANLAMB BOTTLE anLambTM Bottles are manufactured from high density, durable recycled polyethylene. The rounded design of the bottle enables ease of cleaning. Feeding measures on the side of the bottle ensures that the lamb receives the correct amount from day one to weaning. Each bottle comes with its own lamb teat. anLambTM Bottles in conjunction with a Lamb Baaa enables one person to feed up to five lambs at one time with each lamb receiving the recommended quantity for the age of the lamb. anLambTM Bottles are available from all leading merchant stores. Proudly marketed by NZAgbiz Ltd.

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LAMB BAAA

Device for feeding lambs by bottle

The Lamb Baaa is essentially a device used for feeding lambs by bottle. It enables up to 5 lambs to be fed simultaneously and ensures that each lamb receives the correct quantity of milk. Although this concept of feeding is not new, the Lamb Baaa is unique in it’s versatility. Historically holders were attached to a permanent frame that could not be moved. The Lamb Baaa has five plastic bottle holders and is simply placed into a suitable piece of ground. Weighing only 3 kilograms, it can be easily removed and carried to another location. This ensures that feeding areas do not become wet and muddy, which can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The bottle holders are set at a 45° angle and the feeding height is at 50cm. The Lamb Baaa is a strong, versatile and easy to use feeding frame that will save you hours of time and frustration when feeding multiple lambs, ensuring none are overfed and none are underfed.

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LAMB REARING

GUIDEBOOK AND OTHER INFANT ANIMALS

Fonterra Co-operative Group PO Box 844, Hamilton, New Zealand For more information on NZAgbiz Limited products call Customer Services on

SupaCalf, ancalf, Brown Bag and Jumpstart are trade marks of the Fonterra group of companies.

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ARTWORX 078391442 052010

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14/05/10 10:43 AM


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