When prepping for the lambing season ahead, one of the first things many sheep farmers are considering is which colostrum to use for their lambs. But what exactly IS colostrum and why is it so important?
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the very first milk that a female mammal produces, containing a broad spectrum of immune factors including antibodies essential to a new-born for disease resistance.
When should Colostrum be fed?
The young mammal is born with an extremely porous stomach wall, but porosity begins to decrease around 5 hours after birth. As colostrum antibodies are large molecules, they can only pass through the stomach wall into the bloodstream during this short window: up to 5 hours – 98% of antibodies can pass through; by 12 hours only 50%; at 24 hours only 10%; from 36 hours onward only 2%.
Why do new-born Lambs need Colostrum?
New-born lambs have very little immunity, as antibodies cannot pass across the placental barrier during pregnancy. Colostrum helps maintain body temperature, is rich in Vitamin A (helping build stores), and is also the first source of Vitamin E and iron – colostrum's iron content is 10 to 17 times higher than normal milk. It also has laxative qualities that help pass the meconium.
What's wrong with using the Ewe's own Colostrum?
Livestock vary in the quantity and quality of colostrum produced – younger ewes tend to produce less, and inadequate nutrition during late pregnancy can reduce quantity and quality. A Colostrum Supplement can give the lamb an advantageous start when the ewe's own supply falls short.
What's wrong with using frozen Colostrum from a dairy herd?
Frozen colostrum should be thawed slowly in a warm water bath without direct heat, or the colostral antibodies are destroyed – this also eats into the valuable window for absorption. Osmonds Colostrum Supplement can be made when required, without waiting for a thawing period.
What does Osmonds Premium Brand Colostrum contain?
Pure Spray Dried Colostrum (sourced from an EU GMP certified plant, TB/EBL/BVD/Johne's Disease free); Dextrose & Oil for energy (12.5% fat, with glucose as the preferred energy source); Vitamins A, D & E; Vetoxan Bio-Probiotic (yeast extracts, branch-chain polypeptides, amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids to support the digestive tract); and Nucleotides to support optimum development and daily weight gain.
What does Osmonds Colostro Guard Paste contain?
A colostrum-rich paste for newborns containing pure spray-dried Colostrum and a readily available energy source, fortified with essential Vitamins and Trace Elements, and including prebiotics for digestive health support – ideal and cost-effective, particularly helpful when lambing outdoors and during challenging weather.
If you have any questions, please call our office on 01948 668100, email info@osmonds.co.uk or visit our website to see our whole range of animal colostrum.
