Good-quality colostrum from another ewe is the gold standard, but where this isn’t possible, supplementation is essential
Farmers Reminded Colostrum Quality Is The ‘cheapest Insurance’ At Lambing
2 weeks ago 
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Farmers are being urged to prioritise colostrum quality as lambing gathers pace, with experts warning that failures in the first few hours of life remain one of the biggest drivers of lamb losses.
Speaking at a recent farmer meeting in Darlington, Nettex Technical Manager Nia Williams highlighted that almost half of lambing losses occur within the first 48 hours of life, with starvation, exposure and infection cited as the leading causes.
“Many of these early losses can be linked back to colostrum management,” said Mrs Williams. “Making sure lambs receive enough high-quality colostrum, quickly and in a stress-free environment, is the cheapest insurance you can have on farm.”
Her comments follow research conducted across 147 Welsh farms1, which found that only 76% of colostrum samples tested were of adequate quality. The study also revealed that single-bearing ewes should not be considered low risk, with just 66% meeting the colostrum quality target.
“Singles often receive lower nutritional priority than twins in late pregnancy, but they still need adequate nutrition to produce good-quality colostrum,” Mrs Williams explained.
The importance of colostrum management has become even more critical following the withdrawal of the only licensed antibiotic treatment for watery mouth. Mrs Williams said prevention now relies heavily on getting colostrum management right. “Alongside optimal hygiene practices, the most practical and effective way to reduce watery mouth is to ensure every lamb receives enough good-quality colostrum as quickly as possible,” she said.
She reminded farmers of the 4Qs of colostrum:
- Quantity – lambs should receive 10–12% of bodyweight in the first 24 hours (around 200ml/kg), with at least 50ml/kg within the first two hours
- Quickly – ideally within six hours of birth
- Quality –greater than 26.5% on a brix refractometer (note this is higher than the 22% threshold for cattle)
- Quietly – in a calm, stress-free environment
“Starvation remains one of the main causes of death in the first two days,” she said. “But colostrum also delivers antibodies, and the window for IgG absorption is very short. Maximum uptake occurs within the first two hours after birth, and by 24 hours, absorption is almost zero.”
Colostrum quality is influenced by several factors, including disease status, vaccination, breed and, critically, nutrition. Mrs Williams highlighted protein as a common limiting factor.
“Energy alone isn’t enough. It’s the protein that drives colostrum quality,” she said. “Trials have shown that when silage crude protein falls below 12% DM only 68% of ewes produce good colostrum. That figure rises to 85% when protein exceeds 12% DM.”
Feed space was also described as a “silent killer”, with research showing that where concentrate feed space was less than 45cm per ewe, only 68% of colostrum samples were adequate, compared to 84% when space exceeded this level.
Where colostrum quality or volume is insufficient, Ms Williams stressed the importance of acting quickly.
“Good-quality colostrum from another ewe is the gold standard, but where this isn’t possible, supplementation is essential.”
Mrs Williams highlighted Nettex Ultra Concentrate Colostrum as a supplementation solution when maternal colostrum is lacking.
All Nettex colostrum products are made using natural, full-fat colostrum sourced exclusively from TB- and EBL-free UK herds, making them highly complementary to UK sheep systems.
Ultra Concentrate Colostrum contains a blend of concentrated colostrum, hydrolysed wheat protein, egg protein and vitamins and minerals to support lambs in the first critical hours of life, as well as a high-quality yeast culture to help support healthy gut colonisation.
“Ideally, every lamb should receive adequate amounts of high-quality maternal colostrum,” Mrs Williams added. “But where a full feed isn’t possible, supplementing with a high-quality product can make the difference between a lamb surviving or not. Strong lambs don’t happen by accident; they’re set up in that very first feed.”
For more information on Nettex colostrum products and practical lambing support, visit www.net-tex.co.uk or speak to the Nettex technical team.
References
- Page, P., et al. (2022). "Ewe colostrum quality on commercial Welsh sheep farms". Livestock, 27(1), pp. 40-47.
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