Livestock

Neonatal Lamb Welfare: Survival and Bonding in the First Hours

The first hours of a lamb's life are critical for survival and welfare. Good stockmanship during lambing ensures mother-offspring bonding and colostrum intake.

Key Facts

Lambs must receive colostrum within 2 hours of birth for adequate passive immunity transfer
Hypothermia is the leading cause of lamb mortality — lambs have limited ability to thermoregulate
Mismothering occurs in approximately 3-5% of ewes, requiring stockperson intervention
Artificial rearing of rejected lambs carries welfare challenges around social development

Welfare Considerations

Welfare-focused lambing protocols prioritise quiet, low-stress environments to support bonding. Ewes separated from lambs immediately post-birth show weaker maternal behaviour. Early intervention for weak or orphan lambs, including stomach tubing with colostrum, prevents starvation and hypothermia. Adequate space in lambing pens (minimum 2.2m2 per ewe plus lambs) allows natural behaviour.

What You Can Do

Ensure lambing facilities provide adequate shelter, bedding, and individual lambing pens
Stock lamb warming boxes and stomach tubing equipment before lambing season
Monitor ewes closely in the first hour post-birth to confirm lamb vigour and suckling
Support welfare codes for lambing that prioritise low-stress environments and skilled stockpeople