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Twin Lamb Disease: Prevention and Welfare Management

Twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) affects ewes carrying multiple lambs. This guide focuses on welfare-centred prevention and treatment.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxaemia results from energy deficit in late pregnancy
Ewes carrying twins or triplets have the highest metabolic demands
Signs include depression, withdrawal from the flock, and neurological signs
Without treatment, the condition is rapidly fatal
Prevention through appropriate nutrition in late pregnancy is essential
Regular body condition scoring helps identify at-risk animals

Welfare Considerations and Management

Treatment of pregnancy toxaemia involves providing readily available energy sources (propylene glycol, glucose solutions) and supporting liver function. Veterinary intervention including corticosteroids or caesarean section may be needed for advanced cases. Welfare-centred prevention focuses on nutritional management, regular BCS assessment, and appropriate grouping of ewes by litter size.

What You Can Do

Scan ewes to identify those carrying multiple lambs for targeted feeding
Maintain ewes in good body condition (score 3-3.5) entering late pregnancy
Provide high-quality, energy-dense feed in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy
Monitor flocks daily for early signs of pregnancy toxaemia