Small Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)
Colostrum Management for Small Ruminants
A guide to making sure every newborn lamb or kid gets enough good colostrum. Use it during lambing or kidding to plan feeding and storage.
GuideSmall Ruminants (Sheep & Goats)Free PDF
The steps on this page
- Watch each newborn nurse soon after birth
- Check the dam's udder
- Hand feed if the newborn cannot nurse
- Use clean tools and bottles
- Store spare colostrum safely
- Record who got what
- Follow veterinary advice on timing and amount
- Watch newborns closely over the next days
How to use this guide
Pin it up in the shop or barn. The numbered steps are a short reminder, and the notes lines are for details specific to your operation.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
For more in this area, see the backyard livestock and gardens. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Goat Dairy Farm Discovers Every Employee Can Jump the Fence and Nobody Respects Management, and ranching farm stories.