Neonatal Lamb Survival in Sheep Production Systems
Summary
Neonatal lamb survival is a critical determinant of flock productivity, farm profitability and animal welfare. Mortality during the first days of life arises from a complex interplay of intrinsic factors, such as birth weight and litter size, and extrinsic factors including maternal nutrition, shelter, ambient temperature and farm management practices. Optimal survival hinges on ensuring adequate colostrum intake, minimising mismothering, maintaining ewe body condition and providing suitable lambing environments. Genetic selection for maternal traits, combined with strategic nutritional and husbandry interventions, has been shown to improve early vigour and thermoregulation in neonates. Global research highlights the need for integrated approaches that address both biological predispositions and practical on-farm constraints to reduce perinatal losses and enhance the sustainability of sheep production systems.
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Neonatal Lamb Survival in Sheep Production Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in neonatal lamb survival in sheep production systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Perinatal mortality: Death of a lamb during or immediately after birth, generally within 48 hours of life.
Colostrum: The nutrient- and antibody-rich first milk produced by the ewe, essential for passive immunity and energy supply in neonates.
Birth weight: The mass of a lamb at delivery, a key predictor of thermoregulatory capacity and early survival prospects.
Mismothering: Failure of the ewe to adequately recognise, care for or nurse her lamb, often leading to starvation or exposure.
References
- Effect of genotype and environment on the productive and survivability traits of lambs under a community-based management system. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (2023).
- Reproductive Performance of Triplet-Bearing Ewes on Commercial Farms and Research Priorities Identified by Sheep Producers to Improve the Survival of Triplet-Bearing Ewes and Their Lambs. Animals (2023).
- A Survey of Farm Management Practices Relating to the Risk Factors, Prevalence, and Causes of Lamb Mortality in Ireland. Animals (2021).
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