Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Scanning and Pregnancy Management

Pregnancy scanning in ewes enables targeted nutrition and management, reducing lamb mortality and improving welfare outcomes for both mothers and offspring.

Key Facts

Ultrasound scanning at 45-90 days gestation identifies single, twin, and triplet-bearing ewes
Triplet ewes need 50% more energy than single-bearing ewes in late pregnancy
Scanning accuracy exceeds 98% when performed by skilled operators
Nutrition grouping based on scan results reduces pregnancy toxaemia by up to 60%
Lambs from well-nourished ewes have higher birth weights and better colostrum intake

Welfare Considerations

Accurate pregnancy scanning enables management that prevents metabolic disease in late pregnancy - one of the most painful and debilitating conditions in ewes. Grouping ewes by litter size ensures each animal receives appropriate nutrition, directly reducing suffering and improving lamb survival rates.

What You Can Do

Ensure ewes are scanned by a competent operator at the right gestation stage
Implement feeding groups based on scan results
Monitor body condition score alongside scan data
Provide appropriate shelter for triplet-bearing ewes
Record scan data to improve flock management year-on-year