Sheep Lambing and Neonatal Welfare

Lambing is a critical welfare period for both ewes and lambs. Dystocia, hypothermia, and mismothering are major causes of lamb mortality and suffering.

Key Facts

Neonatal lamb mortality from all causes is around 15-20% in UK flocks
Hypothermia is the leading cause of neonatal lamb mortality in the UK
Fostering rejected lambs is labour-intensive and not always successful
Twin and triplet lambs are at higher risk of rejection by the ewe
Good nutrition in late pregnancy reduces dystocia and metabolic disease in ewes

Welfare Considerations

Lambing causes acute welfare challenges for both ewes and lambs. Dystocia (difficult birth) causes prolonged pain for the ewe and asphyxia risk for the lamb. Rejected lambs face starvation and hypothermia. Hypothermic lambs experience severe physiological distress as core temperature drops. Good stockmanship during lambing - frequent observation, prompt assistance, and fostering support - dramatically reduces suffering. Adequate nutrition in late pregnancy reduces dystocia, metabolic disease, and poor milk production. Well-managed indoor lambing can improve welfare over outdoor lambing in bad weather.

What You Can Do

Support farmer training in lambing assistance and neonatal lamb care
Advocate for stockmanship training to be included in sheep welfare standards
Choose lamb from farms with documented low neonatal mortality rates
Support research into genetic selection for ease of lambing and good mothering
Engage with AHDB Better Returns Programme resources on lambing management