Neonatal Lamb Hypothermia: Detailed Prevention and Treatment Guide

Key Facts

• Lambs are born with approximately 3% body fat and a wet coat — they lose heat 10x faster than adults
• Wind chill dramatically worsens hypothermia risk even in moderate temperatures
• Lambs born at night in exposed conditions are most at risk — checking at 2-4 hourly intervals during lambing is critical
• Body temperature determines treatment: above 37C warm and feed; below 37C administer IP glucose before warming
• Colostrum within 6 hours of birth is the single most important welfare intervention for healthy lamb viability

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal lamb hypothermia causes profound suffering in affected lambs. Cold lambs that cannot stand or suckle become progressively weaker over hours, their core temperature dropping as they exhaust glycogen reserves. The distress of a weakening lamb unable to bond with its mother is significant. Proactive prevention through lambing shed quality, regular checks, and immediate intervention for cold lambs prevents most cases. The treatment protocol — particularly the critical distinction between mild and severe hypothermia requiring IV/IP glucose before warming — is life-saving knowledge for all shepherds. Warming a severely hypothermic lamb without first treating hypoglycemia causes fatal cerebral edema.

What You Can Do

• Check all lambs within 30 minutes of birth for suckling, warmth, and vigour
• Have a lamb warming box (set to 40C), colostrum supply, and stomach tube available at lambing
• Learn to distinguish mild from severe hypothermia by rectal temperature — treat accordingly
• For severe hypothermia (below 37C): administer intraperitoneal glucose before warming
• Ensure all lambing ewes have a clean, dry, draft-free individual pen for bonding