Animal Health & Welfare

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.

Sheep that are too thin (below condition score 2) will be less productive, will have compromised animal welfare and may leave farmers open to prosecution on the grounds of animal cruelty.

Sheep that are too fat (above condition score 4) are less productive and can be susceptible to other welfare problems such as prolapses.

The impact of ewe condition on lamb survival is discussed under Lambing Management in the tab to the left.

Condition scoring sheep helps to maintain nutritional balance, promotes productivity and minimises welfare problems. 

SAC is engaged in research to identify sustainable genetic improvement strategies in hill sheep to allow ewes to maintain condition and reproductive performance whilst producing lean, high quality and healthy lambs.  More information can be found using the links on the right.