Pre-lambing – neonatal survival

After birth, the first 24 hours are the most crucial of a lamb’s life, with the risk of death at its highest. The ability and speed at which the lamb stands and moves to the udder is directly linked to its survival. Our role as vets is to make sure every lamb born is given the best opportunity to survive in a potentially very harsh environment. Ewe nutrition – both as they prepare for tupping as well as throughout pregnancy – is one of the crucial keys for success. Good quality and quantity of colostrum is the other main factor that will give every lamb the best possible start in life. The most common causes of neonatal mortality are dystocia, hypothermia/hypoglycaemia and septicaemia, which, for the most part, are directly related to management issues. To achieve the highest possible neonatal survival and, therefore, run a successful enterprise, flock health planning and good management are key