Farm Animals

Sheep Lambing Management and Neonatal Welfare

Lambing management significantly affects both ewe and lamb welfare, with supervision, intervention protocols, and neonatal care determining neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning lamb mortality typically ranges from 5-20% in UK sheep systems
Dystocia (difficult birth) is a welfare emergency requiring skilled intervention
Colostrum intake in first 2 hours of life is critical for immunity and thermal regulation
Mismothering occurs more commonly in housed ewes with large groups and limited space
Neonatal mortality is higher in adverse weather, poor nutrition ewes, and late season lambing

Welfare Considerations

Lambing welfare requires skilled stockpersonship, appropriate housing with adequate space, nutritional management of ewes, and prompt intervention for dystocia. The welfare cost of neonatal mortality extends to the maternal ewe and surviving lambs. Good lambing management requires sustained supervision during the peak period.

What You Can Do

Support lambing management training programmes for sheep producers
Advocate for lambing pen space requirements in sheep welfare certification
Choose higher welfare lamb from farms with documented lambing management protocols