Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Lambing Pen Design for Ewe and Lamb Welfare

Well-designed lambing pens are critical to neonatal lamb survival and ewe-lamb bonding in intensive sheep production.

Key Facts

Ewe-lamb bonding is facilitated by individual or small group lambing pens
Optimal pen size allows the ewe to turn easily and adopt nursing postures
Bedding depth and quality affect lamb thermoregulation in the first hours of life
Pen design influences lamb access to colostrum in the critical first 6 hours
Poor pen hygiene increases neonatal infection risk substantially

Welfare Considerations

The neonatal period is the highest-risk phase of a lamb's life, and pen design directly influences survival and early welfare. Ensuring adequate space, clean bedding, and quiet conditions supports natural bonding behaviour and enables farmers to monitor and assist where needed without disturbing the ewe-lamb pair unnecessarily.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farmers who invest in well-designed lambing facilities
Advocate for lambing pen welfare standards in national sheep assurance schemes
Learn about neonatal lamb welfare as part of farm animal advocacy