[princesspiggy]

thought id get info on this section, but i could have done with the knowledge recently with a weak goat kid.
how exactly do u do it, where do u get the tube, what else do u need, and do u syringe it throught the tube? do u milk the mother, if so how much do u need, or can u buy the colostrum in powdered form?

[kaz]

You can buy powdered colostrum. You will need a large syringe and a tube (Can normally be purchased together and I find should be kept in first aid kit for lambing). The best way I have found to do this is to put the tube into the colostrum to wet the outside of it, I then feed the tube through the side to middle of mouth. They will normally swallow this down, take your time and make sure it does not go down the windpipe. I have found that when the tube is in place by listening down the tube you can hear a gargling type noise. It helps if you have someone to hold lamb and someone to feed mixture
Just syringe the colostrum into the tube, not too quickly until the mixture has all gone, and then slowly remove tube. It is normally better if someone shows you how to do this the first time.

[Anke]

V good description in Tim Tyne's sheep book.

If possible always milk some colostrum out of the ewe/nanny. As it is very thick I have found diluting it a bit with goatsmilk, or just a bit of (previously boiled) water makes it going down the tube a lot easier. Don't use the plunger bit of the tube, it will flow down a lot easier by itself and better for lamb too.

[supplies for smallholders]

Hi two types of tube feeder are available :

a Roslam gravity fed type : https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/lamb-reviver-p-109.html

or the syringe and catheter type: https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/lamb-reviver-syringe-and-catheter-p-657.html

Both do the job, its upto individual preference.

Thanks

[shetlandpaul]

make sure you kink the tube before removing. you ag feed merchent or vet will have the stuff. don't forget the lamb boost stuff and possibly glucose and needles.