Farm Animals

Sheep Lambing Supervision and Neonatal Care

Appropriate lambing supervision is critical to neonatal lamb survival. Good stockmanship during lambing prevents the majority of lamb losses.

Key Facts

Neonatal mortality accounts for most of the 15-20% annual lamb mortality
Hypothermia and starvation are the leading causes of neonatal death
Colostrum ingestion within 6 hours of birth is essential for survival
Dystocia (difficult birth) requires prompt intervention
Skin-to-skin bonding in the first hours is critical for maternal attachment

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lamb welfare is critically dependent on stockmanship quality during lambing. Delayed intervention in dystocia causes suffering for both ewe and lamb. Hypothermic and colostrum-deprived lambs suffer considerably before death. Investment in lambing supervision training and facilities significantly improves welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support training programmes for shepherds in neonatal care
Advocate for farming support that recognises the labour cost of good lambing supervision
Choose lamb from farms with documented low neonatal mortality