Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Nutritional Management in Late Pregnancy

Nutrition management of ewes in late pregnancy directly affects ewe and lamb welfare through prevention of metabolic disease and poor lamb vitality.

Key Facts

Energy requirements increase by 150% in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy
Twin and triplet bearing ewes have greatest supplementary feeding requirements
Ultrasound scanning to identify litter sizes enables targeted feeding groups
Body condition score at tupping and through pregnancy determines supplementation needs
Good nutrition reduces lamb hypothermia risk and improves colostrum quality

Welfare Considerations

Late pregnancy nutrition in sheep is one of the most significant management determinants of welfare at lambing. Underfed ewes suffer metabolic disease and produce weaker lambs with poor survival prospects. Ultrasound scanning combined with targeted supplementary feeding is now standard practice in progressive sheep systems.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farms that use ultrasound scanning and targeted late-pregnancy feeding
Choose certified sheep products with documented lambing welfare standards
Advocate for nutritional welfare training in sheep farming certification schemes