Livestock

Neonatal Lamb Welfare in the First 48 Hours

The first 48 hours of life represent the highest mortality risk period for lambs, with hypothermia, starvation and dystocia-related injuries causing most early lamb deaths in UK flocks.

Key Facts

Approximately 15-20% of lambs born in UK flocks die before weaning, with most dying in the first 48 hours
Colostrum intake within the first 6 hours is critical for both immunological protection and thermal regulation
Hypothermia caused by wet cold conditions is the leading cause of neonatal lamb death
Dystocia-related injuries affect both ewes and lambs and require rapid intervention to prevent welfare compromise

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lamb welfare requires intensive management during the high-risk period around birth. Lambing supervision, prompt intervention in difficult births, early colostrum supplementation and provision of shelter for vulnerable lambs are all critical. The welfare of ewes during and after difficult births also requires careful management to prevent chronic pain and uterine infection.

What You Can Do

Ensure 24-hour supervision during the lambing period in confined or indoor flocks
Intervene promptly in deliveries exceeding 30 minutes of second-stage labour to prevent lamb and ewe injury
Have colostrum substitute and tube-feeding equipment available for lambs that fail to feed within 2 hours
Provide dry, sheltered lambing areas that protect neonatal lambs from hypothermia during cold and wet conditions