Orphan Lambs

In the paddock

Key points

In high fecundity flocks, about 25 per cent of triplets are either born dead or die before they are 12 weeks of age
In severe storms, losses due to exposure and mis-mothering can be higher than this
Orphan and triplet lambs, which otherwise would have died, can be successfully reared on fortified cow colostrum and meal
The total cost is around $30/lamb (excluding labour). With prime lambs worth around $65/head, it is clearly economic to artificially rear such lambs
It is not economic to remove small triplet lambs for rearing. If a ewe is capable of rearing its lambs it should be allowed to do so
Artificial rearing requires good animal husbandry skills, and careful attention to hygiene and animal health.

For further information please download the attached PDF