Multiple metabolic conditions converge around lambing in ewes, requiring stockpersons to recognize and respond quickly to prevent suffering and death.
Metabolic disease at lambing causes intense acute suffering - recumbent ewes unable to rise, seizures from hypomagnesemia, and progressive coma in pregnancy toxemia. The welfare response must be immediate: prompt treatment before confirmatory tests, not waiting for laboratory results while the animal deteriorates. Experienced stockpersons who recognize metabolic crisis signs and initiate treatment quickly save lives and prevent prolonged suffering. Having appropriate treatments on hand and training all lambing staff in their use is a fundamental welfare obligation during the lambing period.