Post-Weaning Lamb Nutrition and Management

Critical Transition Period

Weaning is a stress event. Lambs switch from milk-dependent nutrition to forage-based feeding, requiring careful management to prevent performance loss.

Feed Transition Strategy

Creep feeding: Start grain supplementation 2 weeks before weaning to familiarize lambs with solid feed. This eases ruminal microflora transition.

Weaning diet: Grain:forage ratio 40:60 for early post-weaning (1-4 weeks), gradually shifting to 20:80 by 8 weeks post-weaning.

Health Monitoring

Post-weaning diarrhea is common due to dietary change and stress. Probiotics and prebiotics support ruminal colonization. Monitor for signs of coccidiosis and respiratory disease.

Growth Targets

Post-weaning daily gain should maintain 200-300 g/day to reach market weight (20-25 kg) by 4-5 months of age.