The lambing period is when sheep welfare is most intensively managed and most vulnerable, with appropriate and timely assistance during difficult births directly preventing maternal and neonatal suffering.
Lambing welfare depends almost entirely on the skill, attentiveness, and resources of the shepherd during the intensive lambing period. Ewes in prolonged dystocia suffer acutely and deteriorate rapidly without assistance. Newborn lambs are vulnerable to hypothermia within minutes in cold wet conditions. The welfare outcomes during lambing reflect the quality of care provided - well-resourced, attentive lambing sheds with skilled stock people produce dramatically better welfare outcomes than understaffed operations where animals go unmonitored for extended periods. Investment in lambing infrastructure and training is directly investment in sheep welfare.