Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Lambing Stockmanship and Welfare

Skilled stockmanship during lambing is the most important welfare intervention in sheep farming, preventing preventable mortality and suffering.

Key Facts

Good stockpersons check ewes every 4 hours during peak lambing
Malpresentation requiring correction causes pain and injury if handled poorly
Bonding failure in first-parity ewes requires patient fostering intervention
Cold, wet newborn lambs require immediate colostrum and warming
Trained lambing staff reduce perinatal mortality by up to 30% in some studies

Welfare Considerations

Lambing stockmanship quality is one of the most important determinants of both lamb and ewe welfare. Skilled observation, timely intervention, and expert handling during this critical period prevent enormous amounts of avoidable suffering.

What You Can Do

Support investment in lambing stockmanship training programs
Advocate for minimum training requirements for lambing staff in welfare codes
Choose lamb from farms demonstrating commitment to lambing welfare standards