Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Pregnancy Toxaemia Prevention

Pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease) causes severe metabolic distress in ewes carrying multiple lambs; prevention through nutritional management is highly effective.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxaemia results from insufficient energy during late gestation in ewes with multiple foetuses
It causes progressive neurological deterioration, recumbency, and death if untreated
Body condition scoring throughout pregnancy identifies ewes at risk before clinical signs appear
Adequate feeding of late-pregnant ewes with twin or triplet foetuses prevents almost all cases
Treatment includes glucose supplementation, propylene glycol, and supportive care

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxaemia causes extreme suffering and is almost entirely preventable through good nutritional management; it represents a significant and unnecessary welfare burden in poorly managed flocks.

What You Can Do

Monitor body condition scores in ewes throughout pregnancy
Ensure adequate nutrition in late gestation, particularly for multiple-foetus ewes
Train farm staff to recognise early signs of pregnancy toxaemia for prompt intervention