Artificial rearing of orphan or surplus lambs is necessary on many sheep farms but carries welfare risks from inadequate colostrum, social isolation, and suboptimal housing if not managed carefully.
Artificially reared lambs face multiple simultaneous welfare challenges: risk of failure of passive transfer without adequate colostrum, social isolation if housed individually, and inadequate warmth during early life. Lambs that miss the critical window for colostrum absorption have compromised immune function throughout life. Housing orphan lambs in groups with continuous access to milk through teat systems significantly improves welfare by allowing normal suckling behaviour and social interaction. Investment in good quality orphan lamb management pays dividends in survival rates and animal welfare.