Sheep Pregnancy Toxaemia 2025: Prevention Science

Key Welfare Facts

Pregnancy toxaemia occurs in late pregnancy when energy demands of multiple lambs exceed nutritional intake.
Affected ewes show progressive neurological signs including depression, star-gazing, and blindness.
The condition is most common in ewes carrying 2 or more lambs with inadequate body condition going into late pregnancy.
Treatment with propylene glycol, glycerine, or IV glucose can reverse early cases when started immediately.
Body condition scoring at key points in the production cycle is the most effective preventive welfare tool.
Scanning to identify multiple-lamb-bearing ewes allows targeted supplementation before deficits develop.

Welfare Assessment

Pregnancy toxaemia is largely preventable through systematic body condition management and targeted late-pregnancy nutrition. Working with a sheep vet and nutritionist to develop breed-specific feeding plans based on scan results delivers the most effective welfare protection.

What You Can Do

Implement body condition scoring at key production stages including tupping, mid-pregnancy, and pre-lambing
Use pregnancy scanning to identify multiple-lamb-bearing ewes requiring additional nutritional support
Develop breed-specific late-pregnancy feeding plans with a ruminant veterinarian and nutritionist
Treat suspected cases immediately with oral propylene glycol while seeking veterinary assessment