This document discusses lamb and kid nutrition over four phases: fetal, neonatal, nursing/suckling, and growing/finishing. It provides details on the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy for fetal development. Colostrum production and intake is critical for newborn lambs and kids. Creep feeding or grazing can boost growth rates during the nursing period. Different options for growing/finishing lambs and kids are discussed, along with their pros and cons. Nutrient requirements vary depending on factors like age, sex and growth goals. Overall nutrition management should be tailored to individual farm/flock conditions.

1. LAMB  KID
NUTRITION
SUSAN SCHOENIAN
Sheep & Goat Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
sschoen@umd.edu
www.sheepandgoat.com

2. Four phases of lamb-kid nutrition
1. Fetal
In the womb
2. Neonatal
Shortly after birth
3. Nursing-suckling
Pre-weaning
Birth to weaning
4. Growing/finishing
Post-weaning
Weaning to market
(or breeding)

3. 1) Fetal - in the womb
• Lamb and kid nutrition starts with fetal
life nutrition.
• Maternal nutrition, especially during
pregnancy can have a major effect on
health, growth, and reproductive
performance of offspring.
• The impacts are greater for multiple
births than singletons.
• (Fetal) programming effects are more
significant in adults (replacements)
than pre-pubertal animals (market
stock);
• Example: early gestation nutrition may
affect fetal mammary gland development;
thus, future milk production.

4. Nutrition throughout pregnancy is important.
• Pregnancy is ~150 days.
• Effective nutrient transfer from the
female to offspring occurs with udder
and placental development in the first
trimester.
• In mid-pregnancy, growth of the
placenta is rapid.
• Most wool follicle development occurs
in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
• The majority of fetal growth occurs in
the final 60 days.
• 14 days prior to parturition, ewe
begins to accumulate protein in milk.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/

5. Importance of placenta
• Placenta is the organ than transfers
nutrients from the dam to the
fetus.
• Selenium passes to offspring via
placenta and milk.
• Important to maintenance of
pregnancy and health of fetus (e.g.
birth weight).
• Placental efficiency may affect
neonatal behavior (vigor).
• 90% of placental growth occurs by
day 90 of pregnancy.

6. Under nutrition in late pregnancy
• Low birth weights, associated with reduced
survival rate, poorer growth rate during the
suckling period, and lower weaning weights.
• Reduced brown fat reserves can reduce
survival.
• Lower colostrum and milk yield can reduce
survival and growth performance.
• Poorer maternal bond can reduce survival.
• Fewer secondary wool follicles means less
wool production.
• Risk of pregnancy toxemia (ketosis); risk of
losing mother and babies!

7. Nutrient requirements of does and ewes
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
2.20
2.40
Maintenance Breeding Early
gestation
Late
gestation
Lactation
1.32
1.45
1.67
2.22
2.05
Energy requirements, lb. TDN/day
132-lb. mature non-dairy doe (twins)
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
Maintenance Breeding Early
gestation
Late
gestation
Lactation
1.52
1.67
2.16
2.90
3.15
Energy requirements, lb. TDN/day
176-lb. mature ewe (twins)
Source: Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, 2007

8. Nutrient requirements of does and ewes
Source: Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, 2007
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Lactation
0.18 0.20
0.31
0.45 0.46
Protein requirements, lb/day
132-lb. non-dairy doe (twins)
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.60
0.70
0.80
Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Lactation
0.22 0.25
0.35
0.46
0.73
Protein requirements, lb/day
176-lb. mature ewe (twins)

9. Nutrient requirements of does and ewes
Source: Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, 2007
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Early lactation
2.1 2.2
6.3 6.1
9.2
Mineral requirements, g/d
132-lb non-dairy doe (twins)
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Maintenance Breeding Early gestation Late gestation Early lactation
2.6
3.1
7.0
9.4
8.5
Mineral requirements, g/d
176-lb. mature ewe (twins)
Calcium
Phosphorus

10. Nutrient requirements of does and ewes
Source: Nutrient requirements of small ruminants, 2007
1.60
1.70
1.80
1.90
2.00
2.10
2.20
2.30
2.40
Single Twins Triplets
1.96
2.22
2.35
Energy requirements, lb. TDN/day
132-doe, late gestation
1.60
1.80
2.00
2.20
2.40
2.60
2.80
3.00
3.20
3.40
Single Twins Triplets
2.31
2.90
3.30
Energy requirements, lb. TDN/d
176-lb. mature ewe, late gestation

11. General recommendations for feeding
ewes/does in late gestation
• Ewes/does carrying multiple births cannot usually
consume enough forage, especially low quality
forage, to meet their nutritional requirements,
especially for energy (TDN).
• Ewes/does are usually supplemented with
concentrates in late gestation.
• When to start and amount depends upon
anticipated birthing rate.
• Ultrasounding can allow separation of females
into groups for feeding.
• Selenium/vitamin E and calcium are especially
important nutrients during late gestation.

12. General recommendations for feeding
ewes/does in late gestation
• Average quality hay usually meets nutritional
requirements of females during late gestation.
• With poor quality hay, you may need to
supplement protein + calcium in the feed.
• Limit consumption of high quality hays in
pregnancy; save high quality (best) hays for
lactation.
• Consider having an analysis done of the hay(s) you
are feeding (since they comprise the majority of
the gestation and lactation diets).
• Balance rations (energy, protein, Ca, P) if you’re not
sure if you’re feeding enough (or you’re feeding too
much) to your pregnant ewes/does.

13. 2) Nutrition of neonate (newborn) = colostrum
• Thick, yellowish first milk after
females give birth.
• Ewes/does produce it for
~24 hours only.
• High in nutrients.
• High in antibodies.
Large protein molecules
• Has laxative qualities.
3 Q’s: quality + quantity + quickly!

14. Colostrum production in ewes and does
• Females vary in the amount and
quality of colostrum they produce.
• Mature females produce more and
better.
• Colostrum quality/quantity is
affected by late gestation nutrition.
• Not different for females in good
body condition, 2.5-3.5.

15. “Customize” colostrum
• Antibodies in colostrum depend upon
antigens dam was exposed to in late
pregnancy (naturally or via vaccination).
• Keep females in location where they are
going to lamb/kid for at least 14 days
prior to birthing to ensure colostrum has
antibodies specific to environment
lamb/kid will be born in.
• Vaccinate ewes/does in late pregnancy so
protective antibodies are in colostrum.

16. When you don’t have enough colostrum
• Collect colostrum from ewes/does that have
extra or get cow colostrum from local dairy
farm.
• Best to pool colostrum from other sources.
• Best to store in ice cube trays.
• Can store for up to a year in deep freeze.
• Use refrigerated colostrum within 24 hours.
• Thaw frozen colostrum in warm water bath
(~50F) or in microwave at low setting.
• Extreme temperatures and high settings on
microwave can denature proteins.

17. Colostrum sources
Preferred
• Mother’s milk – BEST!
• Colostrum from another female
in flock/herd.
• Colostrum from another sheep
or goat farm (w/similar disease
status; CAE/OPP-free)
• Cow colostrum (Johne’s free)
• Colostrum substitute
Contains IgG
Example: Land O’Lakes
Better than nothing
• Colostrum supplement
Nutritious, but no IgG
• Colostrum gels
• Homemade colostrum
• Milk replacer

18. Feeding colostrum
• Some lambs/kids will need to be hand-fed
colostrum.
• Lambs/kids should consume approximately 10
percent of their body weight in colostrum.
• 12 lb. lamb = 19.2 ounces
• 8 lb. kid = 12.8 ounces
• Lambs/kids born outside have higher requirements
(~15%)
• ~ 4 feedings in first 24 hours.
• Feed at body temperature.
• Feed with bottle or esophageal feeding tube.
• Warm chilled lambs/kids first or give IP injection of
glucose.
Lambs/kids can survive without colostrum, but they are more susceptible to disease and mortality.

19. Artificially-rearing lambs/kids
• Adequate intake of colostrum
• Feed good quality species-specific milk
replacer.
• Can feed cow’s milk including waste milk
and store-bought milk (add fat for lambs).
• Self-feeding (bucket/bar/Lac-Tek) better
than hand-feeding (bottle).
• Start on high quality starter feed early.
• Access to fresh water and hay (?).
• Wean based on weight and amount of feed
lambs/kids are consuming (< 8 weeks).
• Important to vaccinate for overeating
disease (type D).

20. 3) Nursing period: three options
No supplementation
• Lambs/kids nurse and
eat whatever forage
the ewe/doe is eating.
• If forage is sufficient
to support good
growth, gains will be
acceptable.
• Natural growth;
“cheapest” way to
raise lambs/kids to
weaning.
Supplement Does/Ewes
• If forage is insufficient,
ewe/doe is given
supplemental feed
(concentrates).
• Lamb/kid compete
with ewe/doe for feed.
• If milk production is
improved and/or
lamb/kid gets enough
feed, gain will be
improved.
• Lamb/kid is given
access to
supplemental
feed that
ewe/doe cannot
access.
• Usually free
choice feeding.
• Usually results in
better gains.
Supplement Lambs/kids

21. Creep feeding/grazing
• Providing supplemental feed to nursing
lambs/kids to increase live weight gain; most
common with early lambing/kidding, dry lot
finishing of lambs/kids, and show stock.
• Creep grazing is an alternative to grain-based
creep feeds; you allow lambs/kids access to
better quality “cleaner” pasture while limiting
ewes/does to lesser quality pasture.

22. Advantages of creep feeding/grazing
• Creep feeding increases growth performance; added
weight has the most economic value for lambs/kids
managed intensively or for show.
• Reduce weaning stress for early weaned lambs/kid.
• Creep feeding is especially advantageous for twins
and triplets and in flocks/herds where milk
production is a limiting factor.
• Creep grazing increased weaning weights on 16/18
New Zealand farms.
• Creep feeding/grazing may not always be economical;
consumption needs to be high enough, > 0.5 lb. per
head per day.

23. Creep area: place where lambs/kids go to eat
• Need “creep” gate (or something
similar) that allows lambs/kids to
enter, but not ewes/does; ideally,
several openings.
• High traffic area
• Dry, well-bedded area
• A light will attract lambs/kids
• Large enough for all lambs/kids to
be at one time; if not large enough,
make sure there is always enough
feed.

24. Feeders for creep feeding
• Self feeders or open pan feeders
• Well-designed feeders that can’t be
easily contaminated and are easy
to clean.
• Ideally, adjustable.
• Enough feeders to accommodate
all the lambs/kids at one time.
• Recommended feeder space is 2
inches per lamb.
• Hay in a rack or manger.

25. Creep ration
• ~20% crude protein
• Palatable
• Finely ground, small particle size
• Fresh; replace daily.
• Don’t let feed run out!
• Expensive, complex
• Can be simple:
Cracked corn + soybean meal
• Can also feed grain that is being fed to
ewes/does or a commercial diet (complete
pellet or textured feed). Ewe/doe feed may
be cheaper.
• Offer free choice hay (good quality)
• Offer fresh water The sooner you offer creep feed, the better.

26. As lambs/kids get older
• Reduce protein level
• Switch to coarser feeds
• Add a coccidiostat (to prevent
coccidiosis)
• Include ammonium chloride (to
prevent urinary calculi).
• Gradually switch to the ration that
the lamb/kids will be fed after
weaning.

27. Options for growing/finishing lambs/kids
Dry lot - feed Pasture, w/supplementation Pasture/browse only

28. Nutrient requirements of lambs/kids
• Nutrient requirements are based
on species, age, sex, genetics,
and desired level of performance
(ADG).
• Nutrient requirements are based
on “perfect” weather, no
activity, and no parasite
challenge.

29. No best way: pros and cons
• Depends on many factors
• Land availability
• Feed and pasture costs
• Performance needs/expectations
• Genetics of animals
• Predator pressure
• Parasite pressure
• Markets

30. Pros
Pasture/Forage Diet
• More “natural” environment
and diet.
• Leaner, more healthful carcasses
• Growing consumer demand for
grass-fed meat and milk.
• Potentially more economical
gain.
Concentrates
• Superior growth
• Reach market sooner
• Milder flavored meat (lamb)
• No parasite or predator
problems to deal with.
• More pasture for ewes/does.

31. Cons
Pasture/Forage Diet
• More susceptible to worm parasites.
• More vulnerable to predators.
• Slower growth
• Longer to reach market weight
• May not meet genetic potential.
• May require supplemental feeding to
reach slaughter condition.
• More pasture is needed for enterprise.
Concentrates
• Fatter, less healthful
carcasses
• Not all breeds suitable for
dry lot finishing
• More costly gain

32. Energy requirements of a grazing lamb
66 lbs., early maturing (DMI: 4% of BW)
Grazing fresh orchardgrass pasture (65% TDN)
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
0.44 0.55 0.66 0.88
TDN required TDN consumed

33. Protein requirements of a grazing lamb, lb/d
66 lbs., early maturing (DMI: 4% of BW)
Grazing fresh orchardgrass pasture (14% CP)
0.200
0.250
0.300
0.350
0.400
0.450
0.500
0.44 0.55 0.66 0.88
CP required CP consumed

34. Energy requirements of a grazing goat
Boer buck, 44 lbs., DMI=4% BW
Grazing orchardgrass (65% TDN)
0.60
0.70
0.80
0.90
1.00
1.10
1.20
1.30
1.40
1.50
1.60
1.70
0 lb/d 0.055 0.220 0.330 0.440 0.550
TDN required TDN consumed

35. Protein requirements of a grazing goat
Boer buck, 44 lbs., DMI=4% BW
Grazing orchardgrass (14% CP)
0.050
0.150
0.250
0.350
0.450
0 lb/d 0.055 0.220 0.330 0.440 0.550
CP required CP consumed

36. Options for feeding lambs/kids
1. As a supplement to pasture diet
Supplement most limiting nutrient(s)
Supplement vs. replacement
Grain vs. roughage (e.g. soyhulls)
2. Hay + concentrate
3. TMR (total mixed ratio)
4. Only concentrate
• Complete pellet
• Custom mix
Complex vs. simple
• Whole grain feeding

37. Some tips for feeding lambs/kids
• Gradually introduce and increase grain
in diet.
• Feed hay as a “scratch” factor.
• Include feed additives to prevent
disease.
• Vaccinate for overeating disease.
• Hand feeding improves feed efficiency
Self feeding improves ADG and
reduces labor input
• Enough feeder space
• Ample pen space
• Environmental enrichment for goats

38. Feed additives for lamb/kid rations
• Antibiotics
• Coccidiostats
• Ammonium chloride
• Alternatives to antibiotics
Stay tuned, largely unproven
baking soda, probiotics, prebiotics,
yeast, essential oils, enzymes, etc.

39. Feed-related health problems
• Enterotoxemia
Proliferation of bacteria due to
sudden change in diet
• Acidosis (grain overload)
Drop in rumen pH due to rapid
fermentation of highly-digestible
carbs
• Bloat
Gas accumulation: free gas or frothy
• Urinary calculi
Mineral imbalance (Ca:P)
More common in grain-fed animals
• White muscle disease
Selenium/Vitamin E deficiency

40. Other problems nutrition contributes to
• Polio
Thiamine (B1) deficiency caused by
change in rumen environment
• Rectal prolapses
More common in grain-fed animals
• Internal parasites
Thin animals more susceptible
Higher protein requirements
• Poisonous plants
Animals more likely consume
poisonous plants during drought
(reduced forage availability)

41. Feeding replacements
• Males and females must be of sufficient
weight to reach puberty and breed at 7-9
months of age (if that is desired)
• Females - 60 to 70% of mature weight
• Males - 50% of mature weight
• Feed for moderate gain
• Separate from market lambs/goats.
• Frame is preferred to finish.
• Do not overfeed; overfeeding may
diminish milk producing ability.
• Supplement with grain, if forage does not
support adequate growth
• Males must gain more weight than
females to reach puberty

42. Ration balancing tools
• Langston University Nutrient Calculator (free)
http://www.luresext.edu/?q=Nutrient-Calculators
• Montana State University Sheep Ration Program (free)
https://msusheepration.montana.edu/
• University of Maryland Ration Evaluator Spreadsheets (free)
https://www.sheepandgoat.com/spreadsheets
• Iowa State University BRaNDS software for sheep and goats ($100)
https://store.extension.iastate.edu

43. Thank you for your attention.