The number of lambs reared per ewe is still one of the most important single factors affecting the productivity of sheep flocks. Some loss of lambs is unavoidable; however, an improvement in lamb numbers reared of as little as 1% can make a significant difference to the profitability of any sheep enterprise.



Correct ewe management during pregnancy can considerably improve the numbers of lambs born. Excessive handling, transport, excessive use of dogs, and disease can all increase stress on pregnant ewes – this can affect fertility in the early stages of pregnancy and also cause ewes to abort their foetuses in later stages. Ewes need increased levels of energy and protein in the last 8 weeks of pregnancy. Good energy and protein supplies lead to high yields of high quality colostrum and help to produce vigorous lambs with a good birth weight. It is essential that ewes are fed according to their needs. Underfed ewes will direct their energy to trying to maintain their own body condition. Consequently they will produce small lambs and will not have enough colostrum for the newborn lamb. Thin ewes are more likely to have difficulty delivering their lambs through exhaustion and may also show poor maternal behaviour. Their lambs are more likely to be light and weak at birth and slow to stand and suck. Overfed ewes on the other hand are more prone to vaginal prolapses and tend to produce larger lambs, which may lead to difficulties during lambing.