POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES TO LAMB MILK REPLACER FOR THE ARTIFICIAL REARING OF LAMBS

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative performance of artificially reared lambs fed four types of liquid diets: (1) lamb milk replacer (LMR) with 24% protein from spray-dried milk products and 24% fat in the dry powder; (2) high quality calf milk replacer (CMR) with 20% protein from spray-dried milk products and 20% fat; (3) fresh cow milk (CM); or (4) equal proportions of LMR and CM (LMR:CM). Average daily gains of lambs fed CMR or CM were lower by 16% and 12%, respectively, and weaning weights were lower by 10% and 5%, respectively, than those of lambs fed LMR. Gains and weaning weights of lambs fed LMR:CM were identical to those fed LMR. Lamb survival was marginally lower among CMR- and CM-fed lambs compared with those fed LMR. There were no observable differences among any of the feeding regimens in the general appearance, thriftiness or well-being of the lambs. The results indicate that, with good management, satisfactory lamb performance under artificial rearing can be achieved with high quality CMR or CM and that under practical conditions lower feed costs could offset the marginal reduction in lamb performance. Key words: Lambs, artificial rearing