Sheep are often assumed to need less welfare attention than intensive species, but extensive farming brings specific challenges including parasite burden, pregnancy complications, and predation.
Sheep in extensive systems face welfare challenges that are less visible than those in intensive systems but no less real. The combination of limited daily oversight, harsh weather exposure, parasite burden, and pregnancy complications creates multiple pathways to suffering. Regular body condition scoring, parasite monitoring, rotational grazing to reduce worm burden, and protective housing for vulnerable animals at critical periods are evidence-based interventions that make a significant welfare difference.