Sheep farming welfare challenges include mulesing, lameness, flystrike, and dystocia. This page examines the evidence and what better practice looks like.
Sheep welfare presents a range of challenges across different production systems. Mulesing — the removal of wrinkly skin around the breech area of Merino sheep to prevent flystrike — is one of the most controversial livestock husbandry practices. It is performed without anaesthetic in most cases and causes acute pain, though proponents argue it prevents the greater suffering of flystrike. Alternatives including genetic selection for plain-bodied sheep and topical chemical protection are being developed. Lameness in sheep is both widespread and often undertreated. Neonatal mortality is high and preventable through improved nutrition of ewes and shelter provision. Sheep welfare has historically received less research attention than cattle or pig welfare.