Animal Health & Welfare

Ewes that have been underfed, and therefore lose a lot of backfat during pregnancy, will not be able to provide as much nutrition to the developing lambs as a well fed ewe.

Lambs from such mothers may be underweight at birth, or may appear to be well grown but have been compromised during their development. They will be slower to stand after birth, may have more difficulty finding the udder and will be slower to suck.

These behaviours will be compounded by a lower level of maternal care by the ewe, and by her reduced milk production.