Livestock

Sheep Welfare and Twinning Management at Lambing

Twin and triplet lambs face significantly higher welfare risks than singles, requiring targeted management to reduce starvation, mismothering, and hypothermia.

Key Facts

Twin lambs account for over 40% of UK lambing in lowland flocks
Triplet lambs face 3-4 times the mortality risk compared to singletons
Colostrum intake within the first 6 hours is critical for triplet lamb survival
Fostering spare lambs onto ewes that have lost a lamb improves welfare and productivity
Body condition scoring of ewes at mating predicts twin lamb disease risk

Welfare Considerations

Twin and triplet lambs are particularly vulnerable in the first 48 hours of life. Without adequate colostrum and adequate maternal bonding, survival rates fall sharply. Poor ewe nutrition during late pregnancy increases risk of twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) and weak lambs. Intensive lambing supervision, dedicated fostering facilities, and tube feeding of weak lambs directly reduce neonatal mortality and suffering.

What You Can Do

Support producers with adequate lambing supervision staffing during peak periods
Ask about triplet lamb management protocols when visiting farms or buying lamb
Encourage use of body condition scoring to optimise ewe nutrition pre-lambing
Donate to farming charities that provide lambing training to new entrants