Sheep milk production is a growing sector globally with specific welfare considerations relating to mastitis, lamb separation, and housing requirements for milking sheep.
Dairy sheep face welfare challenges similar to dairy cattle. Mastitis causes pain and impaired milk production. Udder conformation in high-yielding breeds can cause pendulous udders susceptible to injury. Lamb separation at birth or shortly after is standard in dairy sheep systems, causing distress in both ewes and lambs. Male lambs in dairy systems have limited value and are often killed at birth. Outdoor access is important for dairy sheep welfare, particularly access to appropriate pasture and shelter. Foot health including scald and foot rot are welfare concerns in housed sheep. Higher-welfare dairy sheep systems allow natural suckling for extended periods before transition to machine milking.