Farm Animals

Sheep Lamb Neonatal Care and Survival

Neonatal lamb mortality is a significant welfare and economic problem in sheep production. Targeted interventions around lambing dramatically reduce suffering and death.

Key Facts

Neonatal lamb mortality in UK flocks averages 10-15% with the first 48 hours being the highest risk period
Hypothermia, starvation, mismothering and infection are the main causes of lamb death
Colostrum intake within the first 6 hours of life is critical for immunity and energy
Frequent lambing checks particularly at night allow early intervention before problems become fatal
Body condition scoring ewes in late pregnancy and supplementing thin ewes reduces lamb birthweight problems

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lamb death is preceded by hours of cold, starvation and distress that are preventable with appropriate management. Lambs that die from hypothermia and starvation experience significant suffering before death. Intensive lambing management including frequent checks, colostrum supplementation for weak lambs, and warming hypothermic lambs before feeding saves lives and prevents suffering.

What You Can Do

Check ewes frequently during lambing especially at night and in cold wet weather
Ensure colostrum is available for all lambs and supplement weak lambs using stored or artificial colostrum
Warm hypothermic lambs before attempting to feed to prevent inhalation pneumonia
Maintain body condition scores in ewes throughout late pregnancy to support lamb birth weight
Record and analyze lamb mortality causes to identify prevention priorities on your farm