How Do You Feed a Lamb From Birth to Market?

Struggling with low lamb survival rates? Worried your feeding methods aren't maximizing growth? You're not alone. We have the solution to raise healthy, strong lambs efficiently.

To feed a lamb correctly, ensure it gets colostrum immediately after birth¹. Introduce high-quality starter feed² around 7-10 days. Gradually increase solid food, aiming for full weaning around 8 weeks when its rumen is developed. Always provide constant access to clean water.

Getting the timing right with colostrum is just the start. The real secret to a profitable operation lies in the details of what, when, and how you feed your lambs at each critical growth stage. Many farmers make small mistakes that add up to big losses. Let's walk through the exact process I use on my farm to ensure every lamb is strong, healthy, and grows uniformly from day one.

When Should You Start Giving Lambs Solid Feed?

Are you unsure when to introduce solid feed? Introducing it too early or too late can cause digestive issues and stunt growth. Let's establish the perfect timeline for your lambs.

Start introducing a small amount of high-quality starter feed² and soft hay between 7 and 10 days of age. This initial step is crucial for stimulating their rumen development³ while they are still primarily nursing. The goal is exploration, not full meals yet.

Getting this timeline right is one of the most important skills a sheep farmer can have. It’s the foundation for a lamb’s entire life. I learned early on that you can't rush this process, but you also can't delay it. It’s all about working with the lamb's natural development.

The First Week: Colostrum is King

The first few days are the most critical. A lamb must, without exception, get its mother's colostrum within the first hours of life. This first milk is packed with antibodies that build the lamb's immune system. I remember a time early in my career when I lost a few lambs, and it all traced back to them not getting enough good colostrum. It's a tough lesson, but a vital one: no colostrum, no healthy lamb.

Weeks 2-4: The Introduction Phase

Around day 7 to 10, the real work begins. The lamb's rumen, the main part of its stomach for digesting solids, is still undeveloped. We need to train it. I start by offering a very small amount of high-quality starter feed² and some soft, sweet grass in a "creep feeder," which only the small lambs can access. By day 20, they should be getting used to it and eating about 50 grams of concentrate and 100 grams of roughage a day. The feed should have a protein content of around 16%. I also ensure the feed mix contains ammonium chloride, which is critical for preventing urinary calculi, especially in male lambs.

The Role of Equipment for Consistency

Before I invested in a TMR feed mixer, I mixed by hand. The problem was inconsistency. Now, every lamb gets the exact same balanced meal, every time. It's taken the guesswork out of feeding. We then use a feed spreader to distribute it evenly, ensuring every lamb, not just the biggest ones, gets its fair share. This system is the key to a uniform flock.

What Is the Best Way to Feed Lambs for Early Weaning?

Want to wean lambs sooner but are worried about their health? The right feeding technique can make weaning smooth and stress-free. Let's get them eating solid food like pros.

The best way is to offer small, frequent meals of soft hay and starter feed, 4-6 times a day. Gradually increase the portion size as the lamb grows, ensuring they finish within about 20 minutes. The goal is to have their rumen fully functional by 8 weeks.

The entire point of introducing solid feed is to get the lamb weaned from its mother efficiently. A smooth weaning process reduces stress on both the lamb and the ewe, leading to better health outcomes for everyone. How you deliver the feed is just as important as what is in it.

The Goal: A Functional Rumen by 8 Weeks

My target for every lamb is to have a fully developed and functional rumen by the time it is eight weeks old. At this point, it can live and thrive entirely on solid food. This milestone is huge for any sheep operation. It means the lamb is independent and ready for the next growth phase, and it allows the ewe to recover and prepare for the next breeding cycle. A strong start here pays dividends all the way to market.

The "How-To" of Feeding

Lambs have small stomachs, so a "little and often" approach is best. I feed my lambs 4 to 6 times per day. This mimics their natural instinct to graze and prevents them from getting bloated or causing digestive upset. I start with soft, high-quality pasture grass and a palatable starter feed. The amount is determined by their age and weight, but a good rule is to provide an amount they can clean up in about 20 minutes. As they grow, I gradually increase the quantity.

Don't Forget the Water

I can't stress this enough: clean water is just as vital as feed for proper digestion and health. Years ago, we used plastic troughs and battled constant low-level scours. We couldn't figure it out until we noticed a slimy film building up that was impossible to fully clean. Switching to Stainless Steel Water Troughs was one of the best decisions we made. They are simple to wipe clean, don't harbor bacteria, and our water-related health issues disappeared almost overnight.

Conclusion

Proper lamb feeding is simple: start with colostrum, introduce solids early, increase amounts gradually, and always ensure clean water. This approach guarantees healthy growth and a successful operation.