Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Reproductive Management and Welfare

Reproductive management practices in sheep including scanning, lambing assistance, and fostering have significant welfare implications for ewes and lambs.

Key Facts

Twin lambs are common and require careful nutritional management to prevent dystocia
Prolific breeds selected for multiple births have higher perinatal mortality rates
Ewe-lamb bonding in the first hour after birth is critical for successful fostering
Assisted lambing requires skill and care to avoid injury to ewe or lamb
Scanning accuracy predicts lambing requirements and allows nutritional adjustment

Welfare Considerations

Poor reproductive management causes preventable lamb mortality and ewe injury. Skilled stockmanship during lambing - including timely intervention, good nutrition, and bonding support - is one of the most welfare-significant activities in sheep farming.

What You Can Do

Support farm training programs that develop lambing stockmanship skills
Advocate for mandatory on-farm lambing competency requirements
Choose lamb products from farms demonstrating good lambing practices