Colostrum Part 1: what influences ewe production

Ensuring lambs receive adequate colostrum is vital to get them off to the best possible start and making sure ewes have adequate supplies is the starting point for this. In a 2-part special, Professor Tommy Boland joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss this important topic in more detail. Firstly, Tommy focuses on the factors that influence colostrum production in the ewe and he explains the various functions of colostrum. Tommy discusses how production starts and the quantity a ewe needs to produce with Tommy explaining the various nutritional factors that have an impact on the quantity and quality of colostrum a ewe produces. He also explains the effects that ewe body condition, age and breed have on colostrum production and details some of reasons for poor milk let down in ewes post-lambing. Finally, Tommy discusses why the importance of getting management right not only ensures adequate colostrum production, but also sets the ewe up for early lactation. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast