You are in > Home > SAC Research > Research Themes > Animal Health > Animal Health & Welfare > Sheep Health & Welfare
Sheep Health & Welfare
In this section, information is provided on the following areas:
- Lameness
- Sheep handling
- Scab
- Lambing management
- Sheep cleanliness
- Ewe condition
- Worms
Use the menu below to explore these areas in more detail.
The welfare of sheep is protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000. A Code of Recommendations is available from the Scottish Government (link on the right).
Sheep Lameness
In an SAC survey of over 15,000 sheep, 44% were found to be affected by some form of foot disorder upon examination.
Sheep Handling
Sheep have evolved from predated animals, thus they have developed a strong escape response.
Lambing Management
This section covers health and welfare issues concerned with sheep management practices around the time of lambing.
Clean Sheep
Fleece cleanliness not only impacts on meat safety and financial penalties imposed at slaughter, but is also a welfare concern for the animal.
Ewe Condition
Maintaining ewes in adequate body condition ensures that they have sufficient body reserves to survive the winter, that they can cope with the demands of pregnancy and can manage when there may be periods of inadequate grazing.
Worm Infestation
Many sheep that appear outwardly healthy can carry worm burdens which they are able to cope with through the processes of immunity.