Lambing season is a busy and often challenging time for farmers and caring for cade lambs—those orphaned or rejected by their mothers—requires special attention. These lambs depend entirely on human care for survival, making it vital to understand their unique needs to ensure they thrive.
What is an orphan lamb system?
An orphan lamb system is a management approach designed to care for lambs that have been orphaned, rejected by their mothers, or born as part of a multiple birth where the ewe cannot care for all her offspring. These lambs, often called cade lambs, require special attention to ensure they grow and thrive. An orphan lamb system provides the structure and resources to effectively support these vulnerable animals.
The orphan lamb system is essential for maintaining high survival rates and healthy growth among cade lambs. It allows farmers to efficiently manage the care of multiple orphan lambs, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition, warmth, and health care needed for a strong start in life.
Raising and caring for orphan lambs
Newborn lambs are highly vulnerable to the cold, particularly when they don’t have their mother’s warmth. It's crucial to keep cade lambs in a dry, draught-free environment with plenty of bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to insulate them. Heat lamps or heating pads can also maintain a steady temperature, especially during colder nights. Find out more on how to prepare for lambing season here.
Feeding orphan lambs
The first feed is the most important. Give the lamb colostrum within the first few hours of birth if possible. Colostrum provides vital antibodies to protect the lamb against disease. Beyond the first 24 hours, move to a milk replacer formulated for lambs. Feeding should be done little and often, using a bottle with a teat designed for lambs or a bucket feeder for larger groups.
The StowAg lamb colostrum is an easy-to-mix solution that’s formulated for newborn lambs to provide nutritional, energy, and health support when there is insufficient or no maternal colostrum available.
Monitoring the health of newborn lambs
Cade lambs are at a higher risk of health issues like hypothermia, joint ill, and digestive problems. Regularly check for signs of distress, such as lethargy, poor appetite, or scouring (diarrhoea). Record their feeding schedule and growth to spot any issues early. Always have a plan in place to consult with a veterinarian if needed.
Socialisation and companionship
While cade lambs rely on humans for survival, they are social animals and benefit greatly from the company of other lambs or sheep. If you have more than one cade lamb, house them together to encourage natural behaviours and reduce stress. If a single cade lamb is in your care, spending extra time with them and introducing them to the flock as soon as they’re strong enough can help with social development.
Weaning cade lambs
As cade lambs grow, gradually introduce them to solid food, such as creep feed, hay, and freshwater, starting at around three weeks of age. Most lambs are ready to be weaned off milk replacer when they are at least 35 days old, 2.5 times their birth weight, and consume 250g of solid feed daily.
Caring for cade lambs is a rewarding experience, but it requires commitment and preparation. Proper care gives these vulnerable lambs the best chance at a healthy and productive life.