Colostrum for Lambs & Kids

Lambs and kids are born immunologically naive, meaning they have no means to defend themselves from the pathogens in their environment. Colostrum is the first mammary lactation from ewes and does and contain antibodies, fat, nutrients and bioactives that serve as an essential and valuable source of nutrition and immunity for new born lambs and kids. Neonatal mortality ranges from 10-30% with up to 50% of death occuring the first day of life due to starvation, hypothermia, birth trauma and infectious disease. Better colostrum management and access to colostrum replacers improve early-life nutrition, growth and survival.

Lambs require 15-20% of their body weight in >25% Brix colostrum in the first 24 hours over 3 feedings (5-7% of body weight per feeding). This equates to 600-800ml within the first 24hours for a 4kg lamb.

• Lack of maternal colostrum
• Twins or multiples where dams may not have enough colostrum to support all offspring
• Colostrum is poor quality - low IgG content or high bacterial load.
• Failure of passive transfer rates are high
• Presence or risk of disease from maternal colostrum (CAE, Johne's etc.)
• High environmental challenges (cold or heat stress)
• Convenience to feed colostrum quickly and safely

Yes. When maternal colostrum is unavailable or limited, whole bovine colostrum provides a practical, close-to-nature source of nutrition and bioactive support for newborn lambs and kids. While species-specific colostrum remains the gold standard for establishing passive immunity, bovine colostrum delivers valuable immune proteins, growth factors, and other naturally occurring bioactive compounds that support early-life health, gut development, and growth, making it a trusted option for emergency feeding and continued nutritional support beyond day one.

Yes, cows, ewes and does continue producing smaller amounts of colostrum called transition milk after birth that naturally has evolved to support ruminants thorough the vulnerable early-life period. This milk has a higher proportion of fat, antibodies and bioactives compared to conventional milk. When animals are seperated from their dam atfer birth, this transition milk can me mimicked by adding colostrum powder to a lamb or kid's whole milk or milk replacer for the first 2-weeks of life to improve gut development, gut health and growth rates. Research also supports utilizing colostrum to support gut health and recovery through disease and stress events. Consult with your veterinarian or animal health team for recomendations tailored to your operation's goals.

Failure of passive transfer immunity (FPTI) is when a calf did not receive adequate, quality colostrum in a timely manner that successfully translated into immune function in the newborn animal. FPTI is linked to increased disease, treatment and death rates. Ensuring the basics are done right and done right every time is the best way to increase passive transfer levels. Remember the 5 Qs - Quickly, Quality, Quantity, sQueaky clean and Quantify.