To ensure the proper development of lambs, breastfeeding plays an essential role. However, some unforeseen situations may lead farmers to resort to artificial feeding for lambs. Terwagne, specialist in sheep equipment, presents the essential equipment and products to promote the growth and survival of your lambs from their earliest days.
Why Give Milk Powder to a Lamb?
Sometimes farmers have to resort to lamb milk powder, especially when the lambs cannot be fed by their mother. Several situations can explain this: during multiple births, the ewe may run out of milk or be unable to care for all her young, with the weakest often being rejected. It also happens that the mother is sick or does not survive the birthing process.
Even in the case of artificial feeding, it is essential that the lamb receives colostrum within the first few hours of life. Rich in antibodies, it strengthens its immunity and helps fight diseases.
Subsequently, the farmer can feed the lamb with a specially formulated milk powder, which provides a balanced supply of proteins, fats, and vitamins essential for its growth.
Pelican or Simple Bottle for Lambs: Which to Choose?
The bottle for lambs is an essential accessory during artificial feeding. Two main models are used depending on the situation.
The simple bottle with soft teat
The simple bottle, a classic model, is equipped with a soft rubber teat that mimics natural suckling through progressive feeding. It is suitable for lambs capable of actively suckling and promotes the sucking reflex. Ideal for weaning training, it is easy to handle and perfectly suited for daily use in small farms.
For larger herds, the teat bucket is a practical solution: it allows feeding several lambs simultaneously while ensuring an even distribution of milk.
The pelican bottle or feeding flask
This model comes in the form of a closed flask with a flexible tube. It is used in emergencies, especially when the lamb is too weak to suckle on its own. The tube allows direct introduction of milk into the animal's stomach. The use of the pelican bottle must be done with caution, preferably by a trained person, to avoid any risk of incorrect insertion.
How to Properly Use a Bottle for Lambs?
To successfully artificially feed lambs, it is essential to follow some hygiene rules and common sense. Carefully clean the bottle and teats after each use, and always check the temperature of the milk powder before giving it.
Favor small quantities spread over several daily meals (6 to 8 per day) to limit digestive problems and ensure proper assimilation.
As the lambs grow, a gradual transition to autonomy can be initiated through the use of teat buckets, which allow feeding several lambs at once while facilitating weaning.
Find All the Equipment for Artificial Lamb Feeding at Terwagne
Terwagne offers you a complete range of equipment dedicated to farming: lamb milk powder, simple or pelican bottles, teat buckets, and substitute colostrum. Contact our team by phone or through our online form to get personalized advice on the best feeding equipment suited to your farm.
