You are in > Home > SAC Research > Research Themes > Animal Health > Animal Health & Welfare > Sheep Health & Welfare > Lambing Management
Lambing Management
This section covers health and welfare issues concerned with sheep management practices around the time of lambing. Click on the relevant links for more information.
Reducing Lamb Mortality
Lambs are born without antibodies to protect them against disease so they need a good supply of antibody-rich colostrum from the ewe to gain protection against infection.
Vaginal & Uterine Prolapses
Vaginal prolapse occurs before lambing whilst uterine prolapse occurs less frequently afterwards, often as a result of parturition problems.
Ear Tagging
The current system in Scotland depends on tagging sheep in the left ear (viewed from behind the sheep) with a baseline tag showing the holding of the birth flock/herd number and sequential number.
Castration
Castration of lambs may be appropriate to prevent indiscriminate breeding, produce more manageable groups of sheep or alter carcass characteristics (fatter lambs).
Tail Docking
Tail-docking is a routine husbandry procedure for lambs in the UK and aims to reduce the impact of myriasis (blowfly strike) by increasing cleanliness.
Stockman Competency
The most significant single influence on the welfare of any flock is the shepherd, who should develop and carry out an effective routine for continuing care.