Lambing is an intensive period with major welfare implications for both ewes and lambs. Good management practices reduce suffering and mortality significantly.
Lambing season concentrates welfare challenges into a short, intensive period. The welfare of ewes during difficult births, and lambs during their first vulnerable hours, depends enormously on stockperson skill, preparation, and timely intervention. Ewes experiencing prolonged dystocia without assistance suffer pain and exhaustion; lambs without adequate colostrum are immunologically vulnerable and may suffer progressive hypothermia and starvation. These are preventable welfare failures with good preparation: appropriate housing, 24-hour supervision during lambing, colostrum management protocols, warming boxes for hypothermic lambs, and clear escalation to veterinary care. Investment in stockperson training for lambing emergencies has direct welfare returns.