Colostrum needs of lambs
Winter, A.C.
Veterinary Record 127(22): 554-555
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2281599 Document Number: 351874
It is reported that anaemia caused by feeding cow colostrum to lambs and thought to be induced by prolonged feeding of the colostrum is actually induced by antibodies which are absorbed from the colostrum before gut closure. These become attached to the red blood cells and their precursors which are then destroyed over several days. The anaemia usually becomes clinically apparent by 7 to 14 days of age without the appearance of intravascular haemorrhage or jaundice. Goat kids are also susceptible to the same form of anaemia. The suggested solution is to pool colostrum from several cows so that any anaemia-inducing antibodies are well diluted.