Pregnancy represents a physiologically demanding period for livestock, with specific welfare requirements that differ from the needs of non-pregnant animals. Meeting these needs protects both the dam and her offspring, reduces difficult births, and sets the foundation for good neonatal welfare.
Pregnancy significantly increases nutritional demands, particularly in the final third of gestation when fetal growth is most rapid. Key principles across species:
Pregnant animals require adequate space for lying, rising, and movement, with the ability to perform preparatory behaviours (nest-building, isolation) as parturition approaches. Overstocked housing increases competition, injury risk, and stress. Specific pre-partum calving, farrowing, and lambing areas should be clean, quiet, and provide appropriate space for both dam and offspring post-birth.
Changes in social grouping cause stress that can affect pregnancy outcomes. Minimise regrouping of pregnant animals, particularly in the weeks immediately before parturition. Provide adequate resources (feed, water, lying space) to prevent competition-induced stress in group-housed pregnant animals.
Regular monitoring of body condition score, demeanour, and appetite in pregnant livestock allows early identification of nutritional deficiency, pregnancy toxaemia, or other health problems. Intervention (supplementary feeding, treatment) before clinical disease develops protects both dam and offspring welfare.