The practice of separating young sheep from their mothers after a period of nursing is a key management decision in sheep production. This separation marks a significant transition in the lambs’ development, shifting their primary source of nutrition from milk to solid feed. For instance, a lamb might nurse exclusively for the first few weeks, gradually incorporating pasture and supplemental feed before being fully separated from the ewe.
Optimal timing of this separation offers benefits to both the lamb and the ewe. It allows the ewe to recover body condition after lactation, preparing her for subsequent breeding cycles. Early separation, if properly managed with adequate feed resources, can also allow lambs to be marketed sooner. Historically, producers have considered factors like pasture availability, market prices, and ewe health when determining the appropriate timeline for this process. Considerations regarding lamb weight and overall flock health are also vital.
