Tarsh introduced adlib feeding in 2022, using the Heatwave system. Two adlib feeders were supplemented by the blue bucket feeders while the lambs transitioned over.
Tarsh Newport rears 40-50 orphan lambs annually on Dewes Farm in the South Island.
The Newport’s run a large commercial sheep flock (mostly Romney), some beef cattle and a Dorset Down stud.
Ideally, the lambs are reared on mum, says Tarsh.
“Contrary to popular belief, our Romneys are good mums. We do have a high scanning percentage and set the stock to give our ewes the best chance of rearing the lambs themselves.
“Inevitably though, we do end up with a busy rearing shed each season – picking up any lambs that look to be in poor health, or those who look to be dropped by the ewe.
Dewes Farm set-up
Farm type: Sheep and beef, Dorset Down Stud
Location: Nelson
Stock no’s: 2,000 sheep (Romney), 100 cattle
Products used: Launchpad18, Sprayfo Alpha Lamb, Sprayfo Primo Lamb, Stalosan F
Most of the lambs picked up are newborns; the first thing they get is a feed of Launchpad18.
“Launchpad looks just like maternal colostrum” Tarsh notes. “I love that it’s thick, and not watery. The thickness might put people off, but I find it goes through the feeder just fine. After a feed of Launchpad, the weaker lambs seem to bounce back, and they pick up condition way faster.
“I use Launchpad18 to strengthen our weaker calves too, then they go back to mum.”
Tarsh has used Launchpad18 and Sprayfo lamb milk replacer for the last three years. She initially changed to AgriVantage products because she’d heard ‘good things’. And she hasn’t looked back.
Initially, Tarsh fed Sprayfo Primo whey-based milk replacer to her lambs. Last year, after attending an AgriVantage lamb rearing seminar, she trialled Sprayfo Alpha replacer as a starter milk.
A premium skim milk formulation, Sprayfo Alpha is ideal for rearers targeting faster growth rates from day one. More digestible than Sprayfo Primo, Alpha provides a solid foundation for early growth. Sprayfo Primo, on the other hand is ideal for enhancing rumen development.
“A number of us in the area gave Sprayfo Alpha a go” Tarsh explains. “I’m not sure I noticed specific differences in the lambs, it just felt like a better starter milk. This year, I will keep them on Alpha for a bit longer – maybe three to four weeks instead of just two.
“I’m a big fan of Sprayfo milk replacers. They are so easy to mix and lamb health is excellent - that’s the proof of the pudding.”
Stalosan F is the chosen bedding conditioner in the lamb shed. “I love Stalosan F, it’s highly effective and so easy to use. The bedding was healthy, clean, and tidy and I thought the lambs looked healthier, too.”
For Tarsh, the support behind AgriVantage products seals the deal. “I just love having people who are happy to help. I mainly contact Cheryl but the whole team is fabulous – the right person will always answer you, whether online or over the phone – and that makes a big difference.”
Follow Tarsh on Instagram @dewes_farm_life
Products used on Dewes Farm
Sprayfo Alpha Lamb Milk Replacer
Sprayfo Primo Lamb
Stalosan F
