Factors that may affect ewe colostrum quality

_{Ewe body condition, trough space and nutrition are all factors that affect the quality of colostrum quality.}

Earlier this year Page et al. reported the findings of some research into ewe colostrum quality. Below is a summary of some of the results that could be useful if you are investigating a flock that is experiencing poor colostrum quality this spring.

• Colostrum quality was considered to be adequate if the sample gave a reading of ≥ 26.5% when tested using a Brix refractometer
• 1279 samples from 64 farms were tested and 74.8% were classed as adequate
• There were only nine farms where all samples were classed as adequate
• Colostrum that was difficult to strip from the udder was an indicator of possible poor quality
• Ewe body condition, trough space and nutrition affected colostrum quality – see the table for more detail

Reference: Page et al., Ewe colostrum quality on commercial Welsh sheep farms. Livestock, 2022, 27(1)

Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 22/03/2022