Lambing is the most labour-intensive and welfare-critical period of the sheep production year. Stockperson skill in recognising dystocia and supporting vulnerable lambs significantly reduces suffering and mortality.
Lambing welfare depends directly on stockperson skill, vigilance, and willingness to intervene at the right time. Late intervention in dystocia causes prolonged suffering for the ewe and asphyxia risk for the lamb. Early unnecessary intervention can disrupt the birth process and damage the birth canal. Recognising the signs that distinguish normal from complicated parturition requires experience and training. Hypothermia management using warm water baths and stomach tube feeding of colostrum or glucose solution can save lambs that appear non-viable. Fostering techniques, including skin grafting from dead lambs, support mismothered lambs whose welfare would otherwise be severely compromised.