The lambing period is the highest welfare risk time of year for sheep, with dystocia, hypothermia, and mismothering causing significant preventable suffering.
Ewes experiencing dystocia suffer prolonged labour with exhaustion and tissue trauma. Delayed assistance causes uterine rupture and death. Lambs from prolonged deliveries suffer hypoxia and reduced viability. Hypothermic neonatal lambs experience suffering before death if not found and treated promptly. Lambing shed management including frequent observation, appropriate shelter, and individual identification allows early problem detection. Welfare-focused lambing management prioritises stockperson training, regular monitoring especially at night, and prompt intervention when needed.