Pregnancy Toxaemia in Ewes: In-Depth Welfare Guide

Key Facts

• Pregnancy toxaemia results from negative energy balance in late gestation, causing ketone accumulation
• Twin- and triplet-bearing ewes are most at risk, especially during cold snaps or feed restriction
• Clinical signs progress from separation, teeth grinding, and blindness to recumbency
• Treatment requires high-energy supplementation, propylene glycol, steroids and IV glucose in severe cases
• Mortality in untreated ewes exceeds 80%; even treated ewes may lose lambs or die

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxaemia causes significant suffering. Affected ewes show signs of severe systemic illness including profound weakness, blindness, and eventual coma. The condition is largely preventable through adequate energy feeding in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy, body condition score monitoring, and flushing ewes before tupping. Prevention is far more humane and economical than treatment. Farms with recurrent cases should review nutrition protocols, forage quality, and stocking density.

What You Can Do

• Body condition score ewes at weaning, at tupping, and at 6 weeks before lambing
• Scan ewes for lamb numbers and feed according to litter size — twin and triplet-bearing ewes need more
• Provide high-energy supplementation in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy
• Identify early cases for immediate intensive treatment
• Consult your vet to develop a written nutrition plan for the pre-lambing period