Kerala, India
For farm operations focused on producing market-ready lambs as quickly as possible, early creep feeding is critical for achieving early weaning and promoting rapid feedlot growth. Lamb weaning weight holds greater significance than chronological age. As a general guideline, lambs should achieve minimum 50-pound body weight prior to weaning. Lambs consuming full feed at weaning typically adapt smoothly to feedlot conditions.
Following weaning, ewes can be transferred to inferior quality pasture since their nutrient demands are minimal.
A primary benefit of separating lambs from ewes during grazing is reduced internal parasite exposure. Under certain circumstances, weaning lambs and placing them on clean, premium, fresh pasture while continuing supplemental feeding can prove more economical. However, this finishing approach typically fails to maximize growth potential under most conditions. Mature lambs generally utilize pastures most efficiently. Older lambs can economically graze alfalfa fields, grain sorghum stubble, wheat pasture, and harvested corn fields. Temporary woven-wire or electric fencing systems effectively manage grazing in such areas.
Typically, lambs require feedlot placement for proper market finishing. Intensive management practices are fundamental to successful lamb feeding operations.
The initial days in feedlots represent the most critical period. Lambs frequently endure extended transport without sufficient feed or water access, arriving in highly stressed conditions.
Range lambs occasionally reject feed and water initially. Therefore, drylot conditioning of range-raised lambs for three to four weeks on the ranch teaches lambs to consume feed from bunks and water from troughs.
Provide newly arrived lambs with high-roughage rations (unless previously conditioned to high-grain diets) and allow rest periods. Lambs should be introduced to feed carefully with gradual adaptation to target concentrate levels.
Once lambs recover from relocation stress, administer treatments for internal and external parasites. Additionally, provide vaccinations for enterotoxemia type D and sore mouth.
Sufficient feeding pen capacity should exist for sorting lambs by size and feeding appropriately. Immediately separate weak or ill lambs. Lamb size and age determine ration formulation. Heavier lambs require faster finishing, necessitating rations with elevated grain concentrations for energy. Lighter lambs can receive rations with higher roughage content. Typically, lambs begin on rations comprising 60 to 70 percent roughage. For standard lamb feeding operations where legume hay and feed-grains are accessible, rations containing 50 to 60 percent grain and 40 to 50 percent hay yield economical gains while reducing digestive disorder incidence.
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