Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Lambing Assistance and Analgesia

Welfare-centred approaches to lambing assistance including appropriate intervention timing, analgesia, and post-lambing care.

Key Facts

Dystocia (difficult birth) affects 5-15% of ewes depending on breed and management
Oxytocin and lambing ropes must be used correctly to avoid injury to ewe and lamb
Meloxicam analgesia at lambing significantly reduces post-partum pain and improves recovery
Ewe lambing records help identify animals requiring closer supervision
Lamb mismothering is more common after assisted deliveries without appropriate post-care

Welfare Considerations

Lambing assistance is a critical welfare intervention when dystocia occurs, but the quality of assistance determines whether it reduces or compounds welfare harm. Incorrect use of traction or lubricants can cause internal injury. Post-partum analgesia is underused in sheep farming despite clear evidence of benefit for pain relief and improved ewe recovery. Training in correct lambing techniques is essential.

What You Can Do

Support training programmes for farmers in lambing assistance techniques
Advocate for meloxicam analgesia to be standard practice after assisted lambings
Choose lamb from farms with demonstrated lambing welfare protocols