Electrolytes are responsible for keeping the body hydrated so that the muscles and nerves can function properly. Electrolyte solutions help restore electrolytes lost by the lamb during sickness due to dehydration. Its best to feed electrolytes 30 minutes before or after feeding as electrolytes slow down the digestion of milk. You can purchase electrolyte tablets and solutions from your vet or you can try home made electrolyte. Commercial electrolyte solutions are preferred over homemade. A well made fluid electrolyte will be able to replace the fluid and electrolytes lost during scouring. It will prevent excessive dehydration which is a leading cause of death in sick lambs. A dehydrated lamb is an almost dead lamb. Home Made Electrolyte Recipe 1 Quart Water 2 Ounces of Dextrose(corn syrup) 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda Before you give the lamb the electrolyte ensure that that the lamb is not chilled. Mix the electrolyte with warm water. Try to g

The main cause of bloat is thought to be a bacteria sarcina ventriculi. Warm milk entering the stomach creates perfect substrate for fermentation. From the fermentation of the bacteria excess gas is produced causing the expanding of the stomach. This aggressive bacteria lives on lactose. This bug is everywhere and is easily picked up by the lambs. The bloated stomach of the lamb can rupture killing the lamb. The other organs can also be crushed. Abdominal bloat in young lambs is clinically diagnosed by dissension abdomen especially the right side. Bloat can also be caused due to a lack of colostrum and over feeding.   Prevention You should really try to prevent this terrible loss by good farm management. Most farmers seem to loose their bummer lambs to bloat when they are 4 weeks old. Don't feed the lamb too quickly every 10 seconds you should stop and resume feed. The hole in the teat should not be too big. The strong sucking of t

    The first feed that your lamb needs is colostrum.This is vital for a new born lamb.It is full of nutrients and antibodies that ensure the survival and health of your lamb.You can purchase powder colostrum from a farm supplies store.The colostrum acts as a laxative to get rid of fecal matter.Once your lamb has had its adequate feed of colostrum you can start to feed it the lamb milk replacer.Under normal conditions the lamb willl suckle the ewe up to 40 times each 24 hours.Hense small frequent feeds for the lamb is best.         It is important that you follow the mixing instructions on the packet of your lamb milk replacer.       Make sure your lamb is warm enough,a cold lamb will not fed.For the first few days feed the lamb the milk warm after its fine at body temperature or cold.The cold milk will also decrease the risk of bloat.   After feeding the lambs sides should be straight from hips to rib,if the sides puffed out then the lamb is being