Twin Lamb Disease (Pregnancy Toxemia): Welfare and Prevention
Pregnancy toxemia in ewes carrying multiple fetuses is a serious welfare emergency requiring immediate intervention and strong preventive management.
Key Facts
- Occurs in late pregnancy when energy demand exceeds intake, especially with twins or triplets
- Signs include separation from the flock, depression, blindness, and recumbency
- Prompt treatment with propylene glycol and veterinary support improves survival
- Prevention requires adequate nutrition in late pregnancy
- Welfare implications are severe and can be fatal without treatment
Welfare Considerations
Twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxemia) creates extreme welfare suffering through hypoglycemia, ketosis, and neurological effects. Affected ewes become progressively incapacitated, unable to eat or maintain normal behavior, and often die without treatment. The condition represents a significant welfare failure given that it is highly preventable through appropriate nutritional management in late pregnancy. Farm records, body condition scoring, and ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis to identify multiple pregnancies allow targeted feeding of at-risk ewes.
What You Can Do
- Score body condition of ewes before and during pregnancy
- Use pregnancy scanning to identify twins and triplets
- Provide supplementary feeding to ewes carrying multiple fetuses
- Monitor ewes closely in late pregnancy for early behavioral changes
- Have propylene glycol and veterinary contacts ready before lambing