Sheep Pregnancy Toxemia Prevention

Pregnancy toxemia (twin lamb disease) causes severe metabolic crisis in ewes carrying multiple fetuses, with prevention through optimal nutrition the most effective welfare strategy.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxemia results from negative energy balance in late pregnancy, typically in ewes with twins or triplets
The condition causes progressive neurological signs including star gazing, blindness, and recumbency
Ewes with pregnancy toxemia have high mortality rates even with aggressive treatment
The final 6 weeks of pregnancy represent the highest energy demand period for the ewe
Underfeeding combined with high fetal numbers creates the metabolic crisis of pregnancy toxemia
Propylene glycol drenching provides emergency energy but is most effective in early stages
Body condition scoring at scanning and adjusting feeding based on fetal numbers prevents most cases

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxemia causes profound suffering - affected ewes are neurologically impaired, unable to eat or stand, and face high mortality without intensive intervention. The progression from reduced appetite to recumbency and death can occur within days. Even with treatment, many ewes with advanced disease do not recover. The suffering involved is extreme and the condition is almost entirely preventable with appropriate nutritional management. Identifying ewes carrying multiple fetuses at scanning and feeding them appropriately for their physiological needs in late pregnancy is a straightforward welfare intervention that eliminates most cases.

What You Can Do

Scan all ewes at 6-8 weeks before lambing to identify those carrying twins, triplets, or quads
Increase energy supplementation according to fetal number in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy
Monitor body condition score and address losses before the critical late pregnancy period
Treat suspected early pregnancy toxemia immediately with propylene glycol and veterinary support
Ensure adequate trough space for pregnant ewes to prevent competition limiting feed intake
Plan ahead - feeding requirements for triplet-bearing ewes are substantially higher than single-bearing