Pregnancy Toxemia and Colostrum Quality

Introduction

Pregnancy toxemia and poor‑quality colostrum are two major contributors to lamb and kid losses in late gestation and early life. In Pregnancy Toxemia and Colostrum Quality, Dr. Robert Van Saun provides producers with a research‑driven look at how ewe and doe nutrition during late gestation influences fetal health, metabolic stability, and newborn survival. 

This webinar focuses on understanding pregnancy toxemia—why it occurs, how to identify high‑risk animals, and what nutritional strategies can prevent it. Dr. Van Saun explains the metabolic demands placed on ewes and does in the final weeks of gestation and highlights how negative energy balance, inadequate dietary energy, and carrying multiples increase the risk of toxemia. Preventive feeding plans and monitoring strategies help producers recognize issues before they become emergencies. 

Colostrum quality is equally critical for newborn health. Dr. Van Saun discusses new research on how late‑gestation nutrition influences both the quality and quantity of colostrum, including antibody concentration and its role in passive immunity. He outlines practical methods for evaluating colostrum quality on-farm and provides criteria for determining whether lambs and kids have received adequate intake to support survival and early growth. 

The session gives producers actionable steps to minimize metabolic disease, improve lamb and kid vigor, and strengthen overall flock and herd performance through better late‑gestation management. 

Objectives

• Understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for pregnancy toxemia. 
• Recognize how late‑gestation nutrition affects colostrum quality and newborn survival. 
• Evaluate colostrum quality and determine whether lambs and kids have consumed adequate amounts. 
• Apply research‑based nutritional practices to reduce losses during late gestation and early life.