Dairy sheep farming for milk, yogurt, and cheese production is growing globally. These animals face distinct welfare challenges related to high-yield milking, mastitis risk, and housing conditions.
Dairy sheep experience many of the same welfare challenges as dairy cattle, including mother-offspring separation, high-output metabolic demands, and milking system pressures. The separation of lambs from ewes causes acute distress for both dam and offspring, with vocal calling lasting 24-48 hours. High-yielding ewes are at increased risk of metabolic disorders including pregnancy toxemia, particularly in the final weeks of gestation. Mastitis not only causes pain and reduced production but can lead to chronic udder damage. Good dairy sheep welfare requires attentive herd health monitoring, appropriate milking machine settings, and access to pasture where possible.