Sheep Lambing Season Welfare and Shepherd Responsibility

Lambing season concentrates welfare risks for ewes and lambs over a short intensive period, and shepherd skill, facilities, and preparedness are the primary determinants of welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Ewes are highly vulnerable to dystocia (difficult birth), metabolic conditions, and mastitis during and after lambing
Neonatal lamb hypothermia and starvation (mis-mothering) are the primary causes of lamb mortality in the first days of life
Colostrum intake in the first 6 hours of life is critical for lamb survival — insufficient colostrum causes failure of passive transfer
Prolapsed uterus requires immediate veterinary attention — untreated prolapse is rapidly fatal and causes extreme suffering
Adequate lambing shed design — dry, draught-free pens, good lighting, and water access — significantly reduces periparturient welfare problems
Competent shepherd presence at lambing is the most critical welfare factor — many welfare emergencies require human intervention within minutes

Welfare Considerations

Lambing season concentrates welfare risks into a compressed timeframe where individual decisions by shepherds determine whether ewes and lambs live or die comfortably. Dystocia causes severe pain from obstructed delivery — prompt, skilled manual correction or veterinary assistance reduces both ewe suffering and stillbirth rates significantly. Neonatal lambs rapidly become hypothermic in cold conditions — warming boxes, colostrum via stomach tube, and appropriate milk feeding within hours of birth are welfare necessities. Prolapse and hypocalcaemia require same-hour veterinary response. Adequate staffing during the lambing period — ensuring someone competent is physically present to check ewes frequently throughout the night — is the non-negotiable foundation of lambing welfare.

What You Can Do

Ensure adequate lambing supervision coverage, particularly overnight — frequent checks allow rapid identification of ewes requiring assistance
Stock colostrum (powdered or stored frozen from previous seasons) and stomach tube equipment for neonatal lamb emergency feeding
Have the veterinary emergency number saved and accessible — prolapse and other obstetric emergencies require immediate professional assistance
Train all lambing staff in basic obstetric assistance, hypothermia management, and colostrum supplementation before the lambing season starts