Farm Animals

Sheep Pregnancy Toxaemia Prevention and Treatment

Pregnancy toxaemia is a metabolic disease of late-pregnant ewes causing significant welfare problems and lamb losses.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxaemia occurs when energy demands of multiple fetuses exceed dietary intake
Twin and triplet-bearing ewes are at greatest risk in the final six weeks of pregnancy
Clinical signs include dullness, blindness, teeth grinding and recumbency leading to death if untreated
Prevention focuses on body condition scoring at tupping and feeding management in late pregnancy
Treatment with propylene glycol and veterinary support is effective if begun early

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxaemia causes serious suffering including progressive neurological decline, inability to stand and death. In high-stocking systems with multiple lambs, the welfare impact can affect large numbers of ewes simultaneously. Prevention through good nutritional management is far preferable to emergency treatment.

What You Can Do

Support sheep farm assurance schemes that include pregnancy nutrition standards
Choose lamb from farms with documented flock health and nutrition management
Learn about body condition scoring in sheep from AHDB resources
Advocate for veterinary guidance on pregnancy nutrition to be included in farm advisory services