Sheep Lambing Season Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Lambing is the most welfare-intensive period in sheep farming, with dystocia, hypothermia, and inadequate colostrum intake among the leading causes of neonatal lamb suffering and death.

Key Facts

Neonatal lamb mortality averages 10-15% in UK flocks, with much of this preventable with good management.
Hypothermia is the most common cause of lamb death in the first 24 hours of life.
Dystocia (difficult birth) causes pain to both ewe and lamb and requires prompt skilled intervention.
Adequate colostrum intake within the first six hours is critical for lamb immunity and survival.
Farmer observation frequency during lambing directly correlates with lamb survival rates.

Welfare Considerations

Lambing season concentrates welfare challenges across a short, intensive period. Ewes experiencing prolonged dystocia suffer significant pain and distress; lamb survival depends on prompt, skilled assistance. Hypothermic lambs suffer physiological collapse requiring urgent warming and feeding. Orphan lamb management including adequate colostrum, warmth, and eventually appropriate social grouping determines long-term welfare outcomes. High-quality lambing management requires stockperson skill, frequent observation, and well-equipped lambing facilities.

What You Can Do

Provide adequate lambing shelter and bedding for ewes and newborns in cold weather.
Observe lambing ewes at least every two hours during peak season and act promptly on dystocia.
Ensure all lambs receive adequate colostrum within the first six hours — supplement if necessary.
Have a warming box, lamb feeding equipment, and colostrum substitute available throughout lambing.
Invest in stockperson training for dystocia assistance and neonatal lamb care.