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Unit 4: Year of the Shepherd
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Ewe and Ram checks prior to tupping
Early to mid pregnancy
Late pregnancy
Lambing systems
Care of the ewe and lamb post lambing
Husbandry tasks from lambing to weaning
Choosing to keep or sell ewe lambs
Check for learning
Unit 4: Year of the Shepherd

Lambing systems

 

These systems can vary based on factors such as climate, farm size, breed of sheep, and available resources.

Here are some common lambing systems:

Indoor Lambing System

  • Controlled environment: Ewes and lambs are protected from harsh weather conditions, which can improve lamb survival rates, especially in colder climates.
  • Close monitoring: Farmers can closely monitor the ewes during labour, which helps detect and address any birthing difficulties (dystocia) or health issues early.
  • Higher survival rates: Newborn lambs are less exposed to predators, cold, stress, or other outdoor hazards, improving the chances of survival.
  • Cleaner environment: Sheds can be kept clean and dry, reducing the risks of infections such as pneumonia or hypothermia.

  • Higher costs: Indoor systems require investment in infrastructure (sheds, bedding, feed, labour) and may increase labour costs due to the need for closer supervision.
  • Disease risks: When many animals are housed together indoors, the risk of disease transmission (e.g., respiratory infections) can increase if ventilation is poor or hygiene is inadequate.
  • Labour-intensive: Constant monitoring and care are required, especially during the peak lambing season, which can be physically demanding.

Outdoor Lambing System

  • Lower costs: Outdoor lambing requires less infrastructure and housing, reducing overhead costs for buildings and bedding materials.
  • Natural environment: Lambing outdoors can mimic the natural conditions sheep have evolved in, potentially promoting strong maternal behaviours and reducing stress on the ewes.
  • Reduced labour: There is generally less need for direct human intervention, leading to lower labour requirements.

  • Weather-dependent: Lambing outdoors is highly dependent on favourable weather conditions. Sudden cold, rain, or wind can cause lamb mortality due to hypothermia.
  • Predation risk: Lambs born outdoors are more vulnerable to predators such as foxes or birds of prey.
  • Less supervision: There’s less opportunity to intervene if there are birthing complications, which could lead to a higher mortality rate for ewes and lambs in distress.

Mixed or Semi-Intensive Lambing System

  • Balanced approach: This system combines the benefits of both indoor and outdoor lambing, allowing farmers to protect ewes during critical periods while still taking advantage of lower costs and natural conditions. If a multibreed flock is kept then the specific breeds can lamb where is best suited for them.
  • Flexibility: Farmers can adapt the system to changing weather conditions, moving ewes indoors if necessary or keeping them outdoors when conditions are favourable.
  • Reduced disease risks: By splitting the time between indoors and outdoors, the risk of disease transmission can be minimised compared to full-time indoor systems.

  • Complex management: Managing both indoor and outdoor spaces can be logistically complex, requiring more planning and coordination between staff.
  • Inconsistent supervision: Depending on when ewes are indoors versus outdoors, lambs may not always have consistent access to close monitoring, leading to potential issues with complications going unnoticed.

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