Dairy sheep production underpins cheeses such as Roquefort, Manchego, and Pecorino, and is growing globally. The welfare of dairy ewes involves distinct considerations from dairy cattle, including reproductive management, milking stress, and lameness.
Key Facts
Globally, about 100 million sheep are kept for milk production, with Mediterranean breeds like Lacaune, East Friesian, and Manchega dominating commercial production
Dairy ewes are milked twice daily and typically produce 300-700 litres per lactation, far above what a lamb would naturally consume
Lambs are typically separated from ewes at birth or within days, causing distress vocalisation in both dam and offspring for several days
Mastitis is the most economically important disease in dairy sheep, causing udder pain and systemic illness in affected ewes
Dairy sheep are often kept indoors on slatted floors, raising concerns about hoof wear, lying comfort, and behavioural restriction
Welfare Considerations
Dairy sheep welfare shares many challenges with dairy cattle production but has received less research attention. Lamb separation causes acute distress measurable through elevated cortisol and intense vocalisation. Extended milking seasons and high genetic selection for yield can place physiological strain on ewes, increasing susceptibility to metabolic disease and mastitis. Housing on hard slatted floors without adequate bedding leads to hoof problems and reduces the time ewes spend lying, a significant welfare indicator. Positive welfare indicators for dairy sheep include access to outdoor pasture, appropriate flock social structure, enrichment opportunities, and low mastitis and lameness prevalence. Welfare standards for dairy sheep are improving but remain less developed than for cattle.
What You Can Do
Choose sheep dairy products from farms with pasture access and documented welfare standards where available
Support development of welfare assurance schemes specifically designed for dairy sheep production
Advocate for research into dairy sheep lameness, mastitis, and maternal-offspring bond management
Ask retailers about the welfare provenance of imported sheep dairy products such as feta and manchego
Support organisations working to improve welfare standards in Mediterranean sheep dairy systems