One-third of lamb deaths on UK farms could be prevented through improved management during pregnancy, lambing and the early post-partum period, according to new research¹.
A study by Teagasc and SRUC found infection was the leading cause of pre-weaning lamb mortality, accounting for 32.4% of deaths, while dystocia was the second most common cause (20%). The researchers concluded that better hygiene at lambing and optimising lamb birthweights could significantly reduce losses in indoor lambing flocks.
With many losses avoidable and closely linked to ewe nutrition, management and hygiene, livestock specialists Nettex have shared their top tips to help farmers reduce losses this lambing season.
- Record keeping
Accurate records are key. AHDB targets overall lamb losses from scanning to sale at under 15%, with top-performing flocks achieving 10–12%, and neonatal losses below 6%².
“Understanding when and why losses occur allows farmers to plan effective interventions,” says Nettex livestock specialist Nia Williams.
- Grouping and ewe nutrition
Correct grouping based on scanning results and body condition allows targeted feeding in late pregnancy, helping lambs reach optimum birthweight and reducing the risk of dystocia and hypothermia.
“Good lamb survival starts long before lambing,” explains Mrs Williams. “Thin ewes carrying multiples need additional nutritional support to lamb successfully and produce good-quality colostrum.”
- Hygiene
Hygiene remains one of the most important control points, with infection the single biggest contributor to lamb losses.
Key measures include thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting lambing pens, using plenty of clean, dry bedding, wearing disposable gloves when assisting ewes, and disinfecting and sterilising all lambing and feeding equipment. Maintaining good navel hygiene using iodine (10% solution) immediately after birth is also essential.
- Colostrum and energy management
“Colostrum management is vital, and speed is everything,” says Mrs Williams. “If ewes are slow to recover post-lambing, an energy supplement such as Multi Lamb Rapid can help aid recovery, allowing lambs to suckle.”
Where lambs are weak or slow to feed, a fast-acting energy supplement such as Lamb Kick Start provides rapidly available energy, improves vigour and stimulates early feeding behaviour. If colostrum intake remains inadequate, providing a high-quality supplement such as Nettex Ultra Concentrate Colostrum can give lambs vital support during the critical first hours of life.
Nettex offers a comprehensive range of products to support lambing. For more information, visit www.net-tex.co.uk.
References
- Shiels, J.F. Mee, J.P. Hanrahan, C.M. Dwyer, S. Fagan, T.W.J. Keady, Timing, risk factors, and causes of foetal and preweaning lamb mortality in lowland production systems involving a range of ewe genotypes, animal, Volume 19, Issue 2, 2025.
- AHDB KPI’s for Lamb Sector Key performance indicators (KPIs) for lamb sector | AHDB
