Lambs need colostrum: A review

In contrast to pigs and cattle, research focussed on sheep colostrum is limited, especially regarding measuring and defining colostrum quality. Colostrum is the first mammary gland secretion available to offspring and it is accumulated during the last term of gestation. Colostrum is an essential source of nutrition, immunoglobulins and bio-actives, and adequate consumption significantly increases the neonate's chance of surviving the challenging ex utero environment. Colostrum plays an important role during development of the immune system, post-natal growth and thermoregulation, and also mediates the creation of the ewe-lamb bond. In addition to increasing the neonate's ability to survive, access to colostrum during the neonatal period has the potential to improve the future production, development and reproductive efficiency of lambs, as studies in pigs have shown that access to colostrum during the neonatal period promotes maturation of the reproductive tract and increases reproductive efficiency later in life. Colostrum effects many developmental aspects of the neonate therefore, it is important that it is of high quality to ensure maximum future productivity. This review summarises the information currently available on sheep colostrum, including supporting research conducted in cattle and pigs, with particular focus on the impact of colostrum composition and quality on progeny performance.