羔羊科学护理技术与成活率提升策略

Lamb care is the most technically demanding and meticulously managed aspect of sheep production. The survival rate of lambs from birth to weaning directly determines the reproductive efficiency and long-term development of the sheep farm. Statistics show that lamb mortality is concentrated within the first week after birth, making enhanced newborn lamb care critically important. This article systematically introduces scientific lamb care techniques from six aspects: prenatal preparation, delivery procedures, colostrum management, thermal protection, early supplementary feeding, and weaning transition.

I. Prenatal Preparation. One week before the expected delivery date, ewes should be moved to a dedicated lambing pen. The lambing pen should be clean, dry, well-ventilated, with moderate lighting, and the floor covered with soft bedding. Each ewe should have no less than 2 square meters of space. Disinfect the lambing pen thoroughly using 2% sodium hydroxide solution or peracetic acid before delivery. Prepare all necessary delivery supplies, including iodine tincture, disinfected scissors, clean towels, weighing equipment, and ear tag pliers. Three days before delivery, appropriately reduce the concentrate feed for ewes to prevent mastitis and lamb digestive disorders. Closely monitor ewes for signs of impending delivery, such as udder swelling, vulvar redness and relaxation, and restlessness, to be ready for delivery at any time.

II. Standardized Delivery Procedures. During normal delivery, the lamb first presents with front hooves and head. The attendant should immediately clear mucus from the lamb's mouth and nose after birth to ensure a clear airway. Dry the entire body with a clean towel, especially in cold seasons, to prevent chilling. The umbilical cord should be cut 3 to 4 cm from the abdomen after disinfection with iodine tincture, then thoroughly apply iodine tincture to the cut end. Allow the ewe to lick the lamb, which helps establish the mother-offspring bond and promotes placental expulsion. Within one hour after birth, assist the lamb in consuming colostrum; weak lambs need manual assistance for nursing. Promptly weigh the birth weight and record it; normal lambs should achieve over 85% of breed standard birth weight.

III. Colostrum Management and Early Nutrition. Colostrum is the only way for lambs to acquire passive immunity and must be consumed in sufficient quantity within 2 hours after birth. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, vitamin A, and minerals, which are crucial for enhancing lamb disease resistance. For ewes with insufficient milk or multiple births, prepare milk replacer or frozen stored colostrum in advance. Milk replacer feeding temperature should be 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, 4 to 6 times daily, 50 to 100 ml per feeding, gradually increasing with age. Also ensure lambs have access to clean warm water at all times.

IV. Thermal Protection Measures. Newborn lambs have immature thermoregulation and are extremely sensitive to environmental temperature changes. The lambing pen temperature should be maintained at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. In cold seasons, set up warming boxes or infrared lamps; the temperature inside the warming box should be maintained at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during the first week after birth, then reduced by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius each subsequent week. Change bedding frequently to keep it dry and soft. For weak lambs, lamb warming jackets or electric heating pads can be used. When lambs are seen curling up or shivering, immediately take warming measures; low temperature is the primary environmental factor causing newborn lamb mortality.

V. Early Supplementary Feeding and Weaning Management. Lambs can begin training to consume creep feed starting 7 to 10 days after birth. Creep feed should be nutritionally complete, palatable, and easily digestible, with crude protein content not less than 18%. Set up dedicated creep feeders accessible only to lambs to prevent ewes from consuming the feed. After 15 days of age, gradually introduce high-quality green hay to stimulate rumen development. Concentrate supplement amounts increase gradually from 10 to 20 grams daily to 200 to 300 grams before weaning. Weaning typically occurs at 60 to 90 days of age, with weaning weight reaching over 3 times the birth weight. Use a gradual weaning approach: first reduce nursing frequency, then eliminate daytime nursing, and finally completely wean, with the entire process lasting 7 to 10 days to reduce weaning stress. After weaning, lambs should remain in the original pen for 1 to 2 weeks before being transferred to new groups.