Farm Animals

Sheep Welfare: Lambing Supervision and Neonatal Care

Lambing is the most welfare-critical period in sheep production. Evidence-based supervision and neonatal care dramatically improves outcomes for ewes and lambs.

Key Facts

Dystocia affects approximately 2-5% of ewes and requires skilled intervention
Hypothermia is the leading cause of neonatal lamb mortality, particularly in outdoor lambing
Colostrum intake within the first 6 hours of life is critical for lamb immunity and survival
Mismothering can be prevented by appropriate lambing pen management
Neonatal lamb welfare depends heavily on stockperson skill and monitoring frequency
Early detection of ewes in prolonged labour prevents suffering and reduces mortality

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of ewes and lambs at lambing depends more on stockperson skill and vigilance than almost any other aspect of sheep production. An experienced shepherd who monitors frequently, intervenes appropriately in dystocia, ensures colostrum intake, and maintains adequate lambing pen conditions saves many lives and prevents significant suffering annually. Training in lambing skills has some of the highest welfare returns of any sheep welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support agricultural training programmes developing lambing skill and neonatal care knowledge
Advocate for stockperson training requirements in sheep welfare certification
Learn to recognise signs of dystocia, hypothermia, and colostrum deprivation in lambs
Choose lamb from farms with demonstrated lambing welfare management