Written collaboratively by Heidi Carroll, former SDSU Extension Livestock Stewardship Field Specialist & Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator, and Kelly Froehlich, former Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist.
Most lamb mortalities occur within the first two weeks of life. Assuming a healthy birth, the major causes of death are often hypothermia, starvation, or respiratory diseases. Colostrum is one vital factor that can help reduce these mortalities by enhancing a lamb’s immune system and overcoming environmental challenges.