Here is what I remember: Colostrum is not the same as milk. Colostrum has antibodies which transfer from the ewe to the lamb to basically immunize against disease and illness. The antibodies in the ewes colostrum will quickly diminish to zero by around 24 hours after delivery. The lamb may operate on a "different clock". Much is determined on "when" the lambs gut starts that clock. The lambs "clock" can be delayed for reasons such as if it didn't suckle (was abandoned) or was possibly pre-mature or cold. Keep in mind this "delay" of the lambs colostrums clock won't be very long. Rule of thumb is feed colostrums ASAP and frequently to any "found" lamb due to uncertainty of how many hours old it may be. Colostrum is still an energy/nutrient source after 24 hours even if the antibodies are no longer being absorbed. Much depends on the size and condition of the lamb. The smaller and weaker the lamb the more likely I would go beyond 24 hours (my suggested three days) with the colostrums. It is an artform that requires reading the situation. If it is a large lamb that ate several significant colostrums meals it is going to want "real" milk before 24 hours is up! In summary, as soon as possible try to get colostrums into the lamb even if it is stubborn and doesn't want to take that bottle. Don't give up.
I cannot reference where I learned the above information it has just been committed to old brain cells and lots of lambs. The link below does provide good information. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM989X12.pdf Mark Subject: Re: [Blackbelly] Colostrum question Colostrum is not supposed to be any help after 24 hours. The stomach lining is not supposed to absorb the nutrients after 24hours.. Cecil in OKla The Wintermutes wrote: > I have had lambs survive while only receiving a little to no colostrums in > the first three days. But... they do much better when they get all their > belly can handle in those first three days. Survival probably depends on > the size and vitality of the lamb. With an attentive two legger mamma, no > hypothermia and such, I would say it has a good shot at survival. If the > lamb is vigorously eating I would bet you have won the battle. > > Mark Wintermute > > Subject: [Blackbelly] Colostrum question > >> Hello I have a question perhaps someone else will have an answer for. I >> found a twin lamb that had been left by mom perhaps 10 hours withought >> colostrum. It then drank 4 oz. and will be eating more. Will this lamb have > >> a chance to make it or do you think it was to late? I never thought to look > >> in another shed when I found her with a single since she had a single last >> year. Nancy _______________________________________________ This message is from the Blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at %http://www.blackbellysheep.info
