Small scale feeders and feeding buckets are just the right size when a few orphans are to be reared.
It’s Lambing Season!
The lambing jugs are full, the udders are filling out and we’re stocked up on lambing supplies like ear tags, “O” Rings and Pritchard Teats.
During lambing, many producers are faced with the problem of feeding lambs and kids that are suffering from exposure and weakness. Which is why it's essential that newborns have access to adequate colostrum within their first hours of life. Feeding warm colostrum with a stomach tuber may be the difference between life and death.
We know that “tubing” can be intimidating for those new to it, but the process is not difficult. No force is required. When done properly, it can be as safe to “tube” a newborn lamb or goat kid as it is to feed from a teat and bottle.
Use a Tuber to Hydrate a Lamb
Some lambs that have not taken to a nipple or lack the energy to drink may need to be fed via syringe and stomach tube.
Tubing DO’s and DON’Ts:
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If possible, do not force the milk into the stomach with the plunger. We allow it to run in by gravity.
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Never use dirty tubes or syringes. If practical, wash after each use.
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Syringes and tubes wear out without warning. So buy replacements early.
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Do not tube a lamb or kid that’s too chilled to raise its head. Warm it first.
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Dip the end of the tube in milk (to lubricate it) before insertion.
For more information on managing colostrum and storage, Sheep & Goat Specialist Susan Schoenian has written an excellent article entitled, Colostrum: Liquid Gold.
Other Essentials for the Lambing & Kidding Barn
Below are the most used items in our lambing kit—we don’t go to the barn without them.
Ear tags are an essential tool in livestock management. They provide a visual aid for unique identification and can help to identify sex, year of birth, sire, dam and much more.
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Premier’s own Joe Putnam will be leading a workshop called “The Shocking Truth About Electric Fence.” He will be demonstrating how to successfully use electric netting to contain poultry and provide protection from predators.
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