Sheep Pasture Management for Welfare

Pasture quality and management directly affects sheep welfare through nutrition, parasite load, and foot health throughout the year.

Key Facts

Pasture parasite burden is a leading driver of sheep production losses and welfare problems
Egg count monitoring allows targeted selective treatment reducing anthelmintic resistance
Mixed-species grazing with cattle reduces parasite burden on sheep pasture
Wet, muddy gateways and field corners are the primary risk areas for footrot spread
Soil health and grass species diversity affect mineral intake and welfare outcomes
Mob grazing can reduce parasite challenge through larval die-off in resting paddocks

Welfare Considerations

Pasture management is foundational to sheep welfare and health. Farms with strong pasture management programmes have lower parasite burdens, better foot health, and improved nutritional welfare across the flock. Investment in soil health and rotation planning reduces veterinary costs and animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farmers committed to sustainable pasture management and reduced anthelmintic use
Advocate for agricultural support payments linked to pasture health and welfare outcomes
Buy wool and lamb products from farms with recognised high welfare standards
Support research into pasture-based parasite control methods