Premature culling of ewes from production flocks due to preventable conditions represents both a welfare and economic loss. Longevity management improves both.
Ewes culled prematurely from flocks due to preventable dental, foot, or udder conditions suffer the welfare impacts of those conditions during their productive lives, then face the stresses of transport and slaughter earlier than necessary. Proactive health management that addresses these issues extends comfortable productive life and reduces premature welfare-negative culling.