Farm Animals

Sheep Neonatal Mortality and Welfare Interventions

The causes of neonatal lamb mortality and evidence-based interventions to improve survival and welfare.

Key Facts

Neonatal mortality accounts for most lamb losses on UK farms
Starvation, mismothering, and hypothermia are the leading causes of death
Good colostrum management in the first 6 hours is critical
Supervision at lambing time significantly reduces mortality rates
Neonatal lamb pain assessment uses the Lamb Pain Scale

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lambs are vulnerable to multiple welfare challenges, and investment in supervision, colostrum management, and skilled staff dramatically reduces suffering.

What You Can Do

Support lambing supervision training for farm staff
Advocate for colostrum management standards in sheep welfare assurance
Encourage knowledge-sharing networks among sheep farmers