Winter is a challenging welfare period for sheep, particularly pregnant ewes whose nutritional and shelter needs are heightened.
Sheep winter welfare centres on nutritional management of pregnant ewes and protection of newborn lambs during adverse weather. Pregnancy toxaemia — caused by inadequate energy supply to meet the demands of late-stage twin or triplet pregnancy — causes severe neurological deterioration and death without rapid treatment. Prevention through body condition management before and during pregnancy is far more effective than treatment. Lambing in cold, wet, or windy conditions creates hypothermia risk for newborns that is entirely preventable through shelter provision or indoor lambing. Welfare-centred winter sheep management monitors body condition monthly, adjusts feeding proactively, and provides appropriate weather protection.