Category: Babydoll Sheep

The Importance of Colostrum for Newborn Ruminants

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A Ewe And Two Lambs Juliette Peyrol-Bonheur (French, 1830–1891)

Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth, is essential for the survival and health of newborn ruminants such as calves, lambs, and kids. It differs significantly from regular milk due to its high concentration of nutrients, antibodies, and other bioactive compounds. Here’s why colostrum is crucial:

 

 

1. Passive Immunity Transfer

 

Newborn ruminants are born without a fully functional immune system and lack maternal antibodies. Colostrum provides immunoglobulins (primarily IgG), which offer passive immunity against pathogens present in the environment. This immunity protects the young animal until its own immune system matures and begins producing its own antibodies.

 

2. Rich Nutritional Content

 

Colostrum contains higher levels of proteins, fats, vitamins (A, D, and E), and minerals compared to regular milk. These nutrients are vital for energy, growth, and the development of critical organs, particularly the gastrointestinal system.

 

3. Gut Health and Development

 

The bioactive compounds in colostrum, such as growth factors, help in the development of the gastrointestinal tract. These compounds stimulate cell growth, repair intestinal tissues, and enhance nutrient absorption.

 

4. Disease Prevention

 

The antibodies and antimicrobial factors in colostrum, such as lactoferrin and lysozymes, protect newborns from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This is especially important in the early days when the animal is highly vulnerable to diseases.

 

5. Energy Supply

 

Newborn ruminants have low energy reserves at birth. Colostrum provides a concentrated source of energy, particularly from fats, which is crucial for thermoregulation and physical activity in the first hours of life.

 

6. Timing is Critical

 

The ability of the newborn’s intestine to absorb immunoglobulins decreases rapidly after birth, with the most efficient absorption occurring within the first 6-12 hours. By 24 hours, the gut closure process significantly reduces the uptake of these antibodies. Therefore, ensuring the newborn consumes sufficient colostrum as soon as possible is critical.

 

7. Quality and Quantity

Quality: High-quality colostrum has a high concentration of immunoglobulins and is free from contamination. Testing tools like a colostrometer or Brix refractometer can help assess colostrum quality.

Quantity: The general guideline is that newborns should consume about 10% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 12 hours of life.

 

Conclusion

 

Colostrum is more than just the first milk; it is a lifeline for newborn ruminants. Proper management of colostrum feeding—focusing on quality, quantity, and timing—is essential for ensuring the health, survival, and long-term productivity of young ruminants. Livestock producers must prioritize colostrum management to maximize the benefits for their herds or flocks. 


Recommended Reading from the Brian Hurlburt Bookshop: 
 

Tupping! What on earth is it!?

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Tupping

This is a new Term for me, apparently I’ve been helping our sheep with the process, but I didn’t know that the term for it is Tupping, or that a Ram is called a Tup! Did You? No! Then read on…

When the cooler days of Autumn come upon us, the temperature outside goes down, but the Tups, start Tupping! So, what the heck is Tupping!? 

Tupping is when Rams, male sheep, also known as Tups, begin to feel the Call of the Wild! 

In the Wild, wild male ruminates, such as those in the deer family, are said to be in Rut. The Rut, when male wild ruminants seek out their mates, is similar to what domestic Rams, or Tups, do as Fall comes up on us, the urge to mate comes upon animals such a Sheep, Rams, known as Tups, enter a season of Tupping! 

This Tupping is, of course, in correspondence with the Ewes, female sheep, coming into what is known as Heat! So, when Autumn comes upon us, and the temperatures begin to Fall, wild animals begin their Rut, domesticated male sheep, Tups, begin Tupping, and as the temperatures Fall, things Heat up with the Ewes! 

So, Now You Know! Or is that Ewe Know! 😉 

I’m here to tell You a Raw and Woolly Yarn!

Whether You spell it Woolly, or Wooly, it’s great! Even in the Raw! Warm in the Winter, Cool in the Summer, and naturally flame retardant! Great for everything from Liquid Fertilizer to Wool Pants, to Yarn for Sweaters and Mittens to Crafts like Felting! The things wool can be used for are almost endless, and the Yarns that have been told about it, and adventures with Sheep! Some of them are right down Wooly and Raw! 

When I was a kid, my Dad had about 30 Sheep, and before I come along at His Farm’s peak He had about 300 Sheep, 125 Cattle, and all the side trimmings. So, it’s always been my dream to own sheep! 

That dream was realized last Fall, and now, today, another dream come true! We got to shear them, well, technically not us, but Peter, the guy we hired to shear them. We found him great 5o work with, and we didn’t get fleeced, but we did get some beautiful fleece! 

A mixed bag really, while we kept the pure Babydoll Wool separate, and the Shetland Babydoll Mixed Breed Wool in bags of its own. We did have some mixed Arcott Friesian mixed bags of Wool. Yes Sir, Yes Sir! Three Bags Full! Unfortunately, none of it is Black Wool. 

So, now the question begs, what to do with our Wool!?