Dairy sheep production is growing globally, with welfare challenges distinct from those of dairy cattle. Attention to species-specific needs is essential.
Dairy sheep face welfare challenges including painful lameness, mastitis, nutritional deficiencies from high-yield genetics, and the distress of mother-offspring separation. Sheep are prey animals that mask pain effectively, making welfare assessment challenging. Behavioral indicators — including posture, gait, and social withdrawal — are important assessment tools. High-welfare dairy sheep farming prioritizes pasture access, appropriate stocking density, good hoof care, and modified rearing systems that reduce separation distress. Consumer awareness of sheep dairy welfare is still relatively low compared to dairy cattle.