OSHA/ANSI,safety hat,construction hat,work hat Ningbo Staneex Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. , https://www.staneex.com The proper care and management of Boer goat lambs play a crucial role in their growth, development, and long-term productivity. Effective early-stage nurturing significantly improves survival rates and overall quality of the flock. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the feeding and health practices for newborn lambs.
Colostrum: Within the first five days after birth, the ewe produces colostrum, which is the most nutritious and vital food for lambs. Rich in proteins (17–23%), fats (9–16%), and antibodies, colostrum provides essential nutrients, boosts immunity, and helps with digestion. It's critical that lambs consume colostrum as soon as possible after birth. The earlier they start, the more they eat, the better their health, weight gain, and survival rate will be. This initial feed not only strengthens their bodies but also helps them pass meconium effectively.
Milk-Only Phase (Days 6 to 60): During this period, lambs primarily rely on milk from the ewe, while gradually being introduced to small amounts of forage. From birth to day 45, lambs experience rapid growth, and up to day 75, their weight increases at the fastest rate. Ewes are also producing high-quality milk during this time. To support development, lambs should be encouraged to nibble on hay early on. Around day 10, small bundles of fresh grass can be hung at a height that allows lambs to reach them freely. By day 20, you can begin training them to eat soft, boiled feeds. These should be placed in the feeding trough at a temperature close to that of milk to avoid burning their mouths. Lambs may need several attempts before they start eating, so patience is key.
Transition Period (Two Months to Weaning): At around two months old, lambs start consuming more solid feed while still nursing. It’s important to diversify their diet, monitor individual growth, and adjust feed accordingly to ensure balanced development. The diet should contain approximately 16–30% digestible protein and 74% digestible nutrients. Exercise is also essential during this phase—allowing lambs to graze in pastures helps build strength and improve overall health. Mothers and their offspring should be monitored for weight gain and kept free from parasites. Before weaning, all lambs must be dewormed to ensure they remain healthy when moved or sold. Proper nutrition, early feeding, and consistent care during these stages lay the foundation for a strong, productive future.