Farm investigations of anaemia in lambs caused by feeding cow colostrum
Winter, A.C.; Clarkson, M.J.
Veterinary Record 131(10): 213-216
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1441106 Document Number: 397095
The deaths on 9 farms of lambs which had been fed cow colostrum as a substitute for ewe colostrum were investigated. Of 105 lambs which received cow colostrum, 65 (61.9%) showed clinical signs of anaemia and 42 (40%) died. The signs of anaemia usually appeared when the lambs were between 8 and 12 days old. The most significant PM finding was the appearance of the bone marrow which was cream or grey rather than the normal bright red. The types of treatment which were given are summarised. Whey from samples of the colostrum fed to the lambs was tested for its effect on sheep red blood cells. Haemolysis or agglutination of the red cells occurred with some, though not all, of the samples which caused anaemia.