Improving the welfare of lambs

Publication date: 10/05/2017
Extent: 18 pages

Contributions by: K. Stafford, Massey University, New Zealand

Chapter synopsis: High lambing rates and maintaining high standards of lamb survival, health, nutrition and growth are essential for farm profitability, depending on the final product of sheep farming. The value assigned to lambs, the environment, farming tradition and economics of sheep farming will influence flock fecundity and how the flock is managed around lambing, as well as the welfare of lambs. This chapter examines the main issues affecting the welfare of lambs, including the handling and training of lambs from birth, causes of lamb mortality, techniques for marking lambs, and issues regarding the weaning of lambs and controlling infectious diseases in the lamb population. The chapter describes possible future trends in research in this area and provides guidance on where to look for further information on the subject.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0019.18