Lambing is a welfare-critical period for both ewes and newborn lambs. Good lambing management prevents suffering, reduces mortality, and sets the foundation for lamb welfare through the rest of their lives.
Lambing concentrates more welfare events per unit time than almost any other farming period. Ewes in prolonged dystocia suffer intensely. Newly born lambs exposed to cold and failing to suckle die from hypothermia within hours. Mismothering separates lambs from adequate nutrition and warmth. Good lambing management — adequate shelter, stockperson vigilance, colostrum management, and early intervention — dramatically reduces mortality and suffering. Mandatory pain relief for surgical interventions is required by law but inconsistently applied.