Sheep Welfare at Weaning: Reducing Separation Stress

Weaning of lambs from ewes causes acute separation stress that can be substantially reduced through management approaches that maintain some contact.

Key Facts

Lambs in UK commercial systems are typically weaned between 12 and 16 weeks
Abrupt separation causes vocalisation, fence walking, and reduced feeding in both ewes and lambs
Fence-line weaning maintaining olfactory and visual contact reduces stress responses
Cortisol elevation after abrupt weaning persists for 24-48 hours in lambs
Body weight recovery after weaning depends on welfare management at the transition

Welfare Considerations

Lamb and ewe separation at weaning causes acute welfare impairment measurable through cortisol, vocalisation, and behavioural indicators. Abrupt complete separation is the most welfare-compromising approach. Fence-line weaning that allows visual and olfactory contact without nursing access reduces stress responses. Providing high-quality forage at weaning reduces the compounding welfare effect of dietary transition stress. Welfare-focused weaning management considers both the social separation stress and the nutritional transition, addressing both simultaneously to reduce overall welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Advocate for fence-line weaning as a welfare standard in sheep production
Support farmer training in low-stress weaning management
Encourage provision of high-quality forage at weaning to reduce transition stress
Back research comparing welfare outcomes of different weaning approaches in sheep
Choose lamb from farms with documented welfare-focused weaning management