Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Copper Deficiency and Welfare

Copper deficiency causes neurological damage, poor growth, and immune dysfunction in lambs, representing a significant but preventable welfare problem in sheep production.

Key Facts

Swayback is a neurological condition in lambs caused by copper deficiency in pregnant ewes
Affected lambs may be born with tremors, inability to stand, or die shortly after birth
Copper deficiency also causes poor fleece quality, reduced growth rates, and anaemia
Diagnosis requires blood sampling as visual signs are often non-specific
Treatment must target the ewe in pregnancy as fetal damage occurs before birth

Welfare Considerations

Copper deficiency causes preventable suffering in lambs through neurological damage that may be apparent at birth or emerge in the first weeks of life. The condition is entirely preventable through targeted supplementation of deficient ewes during pregnancy. Monitoring farm copper status through blood sampling and soil analysis enables targeted, proportionate supplementation.

What You Can Do

Blood sample ewes to establish copper status before supplementation
Use blood sampling to guide supplementation rather than blanket treatment
Consult your vet before supplementing copper as toxicity is also a risk in some breeds
Include copper status monitoring in your sheep health plan
Record cases of swayback to identify and address recurring deficiency