[Jacob-list] No colostrum in the freezer

[Dr. David Lincicome]

1620 hrs/Sunday 9 February 2003


Since the permeability of the intestinal epithelium of newborns  to 
permit absorption of colostrum has a short half life it is well make 
sure newborns get colostrum within the first 6 hours.

David Richard Lincicome, Ph.D.,PAS, DACAP, DABM

Jacobflock at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 2/5/03 9:01:45 AM Central Standard Time, 
> pegaleg2 at juno.com writes:
>
>
>> The only problem I have is that the
>> colostrum was evidently nurse out days ago and know the newborn has none
>> for herself.  Any suggestions???  Should I give her shots or just let it
>> be.   I have no other ewes ready to lamb at this moment they are apporx.
>> a month away. 
>
>
>
> Fred Horak with Laura Lawson's book...Colostrum is produced up to 
> about 18 hours after lambing.  The antibodies produced by the ewe 
> prior to lambing are passed to the lamb with the colostrum (inoculate 
> before lambing).  Colostrum provides passive immunity until the lamb 
> can build its own immunity by vaccinmation or exposure.  The ability 
> to transfer the antibodies via colostrum to the blood stream actually 
> declines 12 to 15 hours after birth.  If a lamb does not receive any 
> colostrum, it will not have a passive immune system and thus a 
> vacination (a dose of the disease) without any antibody protection, 
> may make the lamb more susceptible to disease ... esp. enterotoxemia 
> and tetanus.
>
> However, one can administer C&D antitoxin short term) and at the same 
> time Clostridium perfrigens C&D toxoid (longer term).  It is 
> recommended that these be given in opposite sides.  Follow up with a 
> second (repeat) vacination in 2 to 3 weeks, a third dose of toxoid 3 
> to 4 weeks later. The tetanus issue can be done with a 
> antitoxin-toxoid treat as done for enterotoxemia (over eaters).  It is 
> important to do the opposite sides of the body for the antittoxin 
> (antibodies) and toxoid (germs).
>
> When the first lamb is born, we try to "steal" about 8-12 oz of 
> colostrum.  The best source is a ewe that has previously lambed 
> (multiparious) and singles (has a little extra to give).  We do the 
> boosters before lambing so the ewe will pass on the immunity.  The 
> stolen colostrum can be placed in a Glad seal bag and placed in the 
> freezer...mark the mom and date ... keep a bag around until you steal 
> another bag of colostrum the following year.  "Thaw the Glad bag in 
> warm water ... do not place it in boiling water or micro-wave...it can 
> kill the antibodies..." L.Pasteur.
>
> Hope this is in time to do some good.  Fred Horak