How cold milk can help maintain lamb growth rates

• Viable alternative to feeding warm milk

• Advantageous at different growth stages

• Can help save time during busy periods

Feeding cold milk to surplus lambs makes no difference to growth rate – and can ease the workload during a busy season, suggests a study

Some 58% of survey respondents said they will consider feeding milk replacer cold to surplus lambs this season – and view the method as a viable alternative to feeding warm milk during the busy lambing period.

In a separate question, over half of respondents said feeding milk replacer cold to lambs made no difference to lamb growth rates and could be advantageous for feeding lambs at different growth stages.

‘Proven technique’

The data comes from the annual Lamlac Lamb Intentions Survey carried out at the end of 2024. Ewe milk replacer fed cold was a proven technique – and provided surplus lambs with the consistent rearing support they require, said the company.

“Rearing surplus lambs with milk replacer fed cold offers sheep producers a time-effective feeding method in their systems,” says Lamlac sheep nutrition expertJessica Cooke.

“After following recommended rearing practices during the first week of life, the ability to feed cold can help in situations when rearing lambs of different ages requires milk to be fed at a constant temperature.”

The survey findings are supported by trials at Reaseheath College, says Dr Cooke. Lambs fed cold milk achieving a daily live weight gain of 0.27kg/day, compared with the 0.25kg/day delivered by the warm milk fed group of lambs.

Performance

“Lambs fed cold milk replacer from just over a week of age showed no negative impact on their performance,” says Dr Cooke. “In fact, lambs fed cold milk replacer performed marginally better through to weaning.”

Feeding milk replacer cold shouldn’t be seen as poor alternative to warm milk feeding –and can add flexibility to lambing systems. General rearing advice shouldn’t be any different to feeding warm milk replace, adds Dr Cooke.

With over half of producers stating it has no difference to growth rates, flockmasters should consider it as a viable feeding option, especially if warming milk isn’t possible or time limitations prevent it.”

Lambs should have fresh water, straw, and a good quality creep feed to encourage rumen development. Producers feeding cold milk replacer should always mix cold and feed – rather than mixing warm and allowing to cool – to avoid gorging.

‘Strong future’ for beef breed, says new CEO

Limousin producers are being urged to highlight the breed’s environmental credentials amid a fall in cattle numbers.

British Limousin Cattle Society chief executive Paul Rainey said the breed had enormous potential and a range of standout qualities – despite challenges facing the beef sector.

“With suckler cow numbers falling across the industry, it’s important we maintain Limousin registration numbers as high as we can,” he said.

Limousin cattle were faster finishing than other continental and native breeds. They also dominated the genomic methane breeding value rankings compiled by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.

“There’s hard data to show Limousins lead the industry as a very ‘green’ breed with very strong feed efficient genetics,” said Mr Rainey.

“These sustainability benefits come with no compromise on performance in terms of daily live weight gain, carcass weights, kill out rates or fleshing ability.”

A familiar face to many members, Mr Rainey has judged hundreds of pedigree Limousins in show rings around the country, from the Great Yorkshire Show to the Carlisle Sale Show in recent years.

Taking up his role this month, he said: “My goal is to create a strong, stable society with a united team, all working together to support the best interests of our members – without whom we wouldn’t have a society.”