Milk or milk replacer : the difference in lamb rearing

Abstract

The perception that natural milk (in the case of this study ewe's milk) is best for lambs has been with us for a great number of years. Modem technology has provided us with an alternative to the natural milk; however, ewes' milk is still unique since it is the only milk which has the antibodies necessary for the young lamb to fight disease. This study provides an overview of the sheep rearing industry in Malta, explaining the different methods used in the rearing of lambs. The main aims of the study are: 1 To see whether either ewe's milk or milk replacer is better for the rearing of Lambs; 2 To calculate if it is profitable to rear lambs on milk replacer with the help of lactation records from the ewes. Results in this study show that the percentage growth of the lambs is increased through the use of milk-replacer; and the lactation records of ewes show that milk replacer is profitable.