Lambing is a critical welfare period for ewes and lambs. Appropriate monitoring, intervention, and neonatal care practices significantly reduce mortality and suffering during this intensive production period.
The lambing period concentrates welfare risks for both ewes and their offspring. Ewes in dystocia experience significant pain and may need veterinary assistance. Newborn lambs are vulnerable to hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and failure to receive adequate colostrum. Attentive monitoring during lambing - checking ewes and lambs at regular intervals including overnight - dramatically reduces mortality and suffering. Farms with well-managed lambing protocols that include good shelter, adequate staffing, lamb warming facilities, and colostrum management achieve significantly better welfare outcomes.