Fostering in sheep: an exploratory comparison of several approaches

Abstract

Six potential methods for fostering lambs were investigated. Three involved transferring soft paraffin, dilute detergent solution or a hessian coat from a ewe's own lamb to a potential foster lamb. The effectiveness of placing own lamb's wool in a mask worn by the foster ewe was also tested, together with washing lambs in detergent solution. In the sixth procedure, untreated foster lambs were merely confined with the foster ewe. The first 3 methods, which attempted to transfer odour between lambs were 80-93% successful, and transfer of soft paraffin and coats resulted in earlier acceptance of alien lambs than complete washing or confinement alone. The effectiveness of a ewe mask containing own lamb's wool was intermediate. The initial application of soft paraffin, prior to transfer, also appeared to increase the attractiveness of alien lambs to ewes. Some flock differences in ease of fostering were encountered.