Lambing Welfare: Supporting Ewes and Lambs

Lambing is one of the most intensive periods in sheep farming, presenting welfare challenges for ewes during labour and for lambs in their first days of life. Good stockmanship during lambing is critical for both ewe and lamb welfare.

Key Facts

Lamb mortality in the first week of life averages 15-20% in commercial UK flocks
Hypothermia and starvation are the leading causes of lamb mortality in the UK
Ewes with two or more lambs produce insufficient colostrum for all lambs without management
Dystocia (difficult labour) is painful and life-threatening for ewes without prompt intervention
Grafting lambs onto foster ewes causes stress for both the lamb and the foster ewe
Indoor lambing allows better monitoring and intervention but increases disease transmission risk

Welfare Considerations

Ewes in difficult labour experience significant pain and distress that requires prompt recognition and skilled intervention. The welfare of surviving lambs in their first days is precarious — hypothermia and colostrum deficiency develop rapidly and cause suffering before death if not addressed. Good lambing management requires constant monitoring, adequate staffing, and skilled intervention. The welfare cost of inadequate staffing during lambing is measured in preventable deaths and prolonged suffering. Higher welfare standards are evident in mortality rates — farms achieving lamb mortality below 10% demonstrate that substantially better welfare outcomes are achievable with appropriate management.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farming standards that require adequate staffing during lambing periods
Choose lamb products from higher welfare assured farms committed to lambing welfare standards
Advocate for lamb mortality reporting as a welfare monitoring measure across the industry
Support veterinary engagement in lambing management training programs
Engage with Moredun Research Institute and other organizations developing lamb welfare improvements