Summarized from Sheep Production Handbook, p 426
It is critical that the newborn lamb receives a large amount of colostrum as soon after birth as possible.
This colostrum will provide the lamb with energy to protect it from cold. A lamb is born with a supply of “brown fat” that provides a short and immediate energy source. After that, the lamb is totally dependent on intake (colostrum).
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n addition, colostrum provides protection (antibodies) against specific diseases which the …
only occurring, metabolic disease of pregnant ewes near term. The disease usually occurs in older ewes carrying multiple lambs and in extremely thin or overly fat ewes. Irregular feeding caused by inclement weather or stress produced by dogs or predators can precipitate an outbreak of pregnancy toxemia. The basic cause of pregnancy toxemia is a diet deficient in energy during late pregnancy when fetal growth is occurring …