We know that the consumption of high-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth is imperative for the survival of the lamb and helps ensure optimal health and development. We also know that the immunoglobulin G (IgG) content of colostrum is the component essential for immunity.
Unfortunately, there’s limited information available on the IgG content of ovine colostrum, which was commonly assumed to be the same as dairy cows (Dwyer et al, 2016; Hinde and Woodhouse, 2019). However, a recent comparative study showed that, despite having both higher total protein and fat content, ovine colostrum is significantly lower in IgG than bovine colostrum (Kessler, 2021).
Factors which have been shown to influence the level of IgG in ewe colostrum are dam age, litter size, udder health, season, breed, late gestation nutrition and genetics.
Have you measured colostrum quality in your ewes?
147 sheep farmers across Wales took part in a study (Page et al, 2022) to determine ewe colostrum quality and those factors which had the greatest impact. They collected colostrum samples (within 6 hours of lambing) from 10 ewes at the start of lambing and another 10 ewes at the end of lambing. Samples were tested with a brix refractometer. Colostrum colour, ease of stripping, age and BCS were also recorded, as was detail on the ewes’ diet 6 weeks prior to lambing.
A total of 1295 samples were submitted. Most of the ewes were lambed indoors, with only 4 of the flocks lambed solely outdoors. More than half the ewes tested had twin lambs with 32.3%, 9.8% and 0.5% having single, triplet and quadruplet lambs respectively.
Key takeaways:
- Colostrum quality was considered inadequate in 25.2% of total samples submitted, with 77.7% of indoor flocks and 54.1% of outdoor flock samples considered adequate with a brix level of more than 26.5%.
- All colostrum samples from 14% of the farms were considered below the ideal threshold for good quality (less than 26.5% Brix reading).
- Better feeding and nutrition of ewes prelambing helped to improve colostrum quality.
- There is an opportunity to improve colostrum management and quality, and consequently lamb survival on many farms
- Using a Brix refractometer to assess ewe colostrum helped farmers in this understand the quality of colostrum produced by their ewes and encouraged them to focus on colostrum management.
Measuring colostrum quality in your flock could help you improve lamb survival.
Where colostrum quality is poor, improving nutrition prelambing will help. For artificially reared orphan or multiple lambs or lambs which may not get enough colostrum from the ewe, consider Launchpad18™ colostrum replacer - made only from natural bovine colostrum, highly concentrated in IgG and high fat, it is the ideal source of immunity and energy for optimal lamb rearing.
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Launchpad18 Colostrum
Our premium, whole colostrum replacer with high levels of IgG.