Farm Animals

Sheep Lambing Supervision and Neonatal Care

Intensive supervision during lambing significantly reduces neonatal lamb mortality and suffering, representing a critical welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Neonatal mortality accounts for up to 15% of lambs born in UK flocks
Hypothermia, starvation, and mismothering are leading causes of lamb death
At-risk ewes can be identified before lambing using body condition scoring
Colostrum provision within 2 hours of birth is essential for survival
Fostering techniques can place orphan lambs on ewes who have lost lambs

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lambs are highly vulnerable to cold, starvation, and abandonment. Deaths from preventable causes represent significant welfare cost. 24-hour lambing supervision during peak periods is a substantial animal welfare investment that saves many lives.

What You Can Do

Support farms that invest in 24-hour lambing supervision
Purchase lamb from assured sources with welfare standards
Advocate for lambing welfare as a core component of sheep welfare legislation