Farm Animals

Sheep Pregnancy Toxemia Prevention

Pregnancy toxemia (twin lamb disease) is a metabolic crisis in late-pregnant ewes causing serious welfare harm. Prevention through nutrition management significantly reduces incidence.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxemia results from negative energy balance in ewes carrying multiple fetuses in late pregnancy
Affected ewes become dull, separate from the flock, grind their teeth and develop neurological signs
Ewes carrying twins and triplets have three times the energy requirements of single-bearing ewes
Supplementary concentrated feed from 6 weeks before lambing meets the increased energy demands
Body condition scoring ewes regularly throughout pregnancy enables early intervention for thin animals

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxemia causes progressive deterioration from depression and blindness to recumbency and death over 3-7 days without treatment. Affected ewes experience significant suffering. Prevention through adequate nutrition of late-pregnant ewes, particularly those carrying multiple fetuses, is far preferable to treating established cases. Regular body condition monitoring and responsive feeding management are the key welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Body condition score ewes monthly throughout pregnancy and supplement thin animals appropriately
Increase concentrate supplementation for ewes carrying twins or triplets from 6 weeks before lambing
Pregnancy scan ewes to identify litter size and group them for targeted nutrition management
Seek veterinary treatment immediately for any ewe showing dullness or neurological signs in late pregnancy
Ensure all pregnant ewes have access to adequate nutrition particularly during cold weather