The causes, timing and on-farm practices associated with lamb mortality and the steps to reduce the incidence this Spring OviCast

With lambing season well underway, the focus on this week’s OviCast episode turns to the subject of lamb mortality and ways to reduce it.

Joining Ciarán Lynch is Dwayne Shields from Teagasc Sligo-Leitrim-Donegal who, during the course of his PhD studies, has examined the timing and causes of perinatal lamb mortality as well as farm surveys on common practices that can improve lamb survival.

Dwayne begins by discussing the timing and main causes of lamb mortality. He delves into how some of these are preventable and which ones aren’t, highlighting the importance of correct diagnosis where problems occur.

He moves on to discuss the importance of good hygiene in the lambing shed as well as treating lambs’ navels soon after birth, with Dwayne outlining the on-farm practices highlighted in his study and how they could be improved. Clostrum management and the use of alternatives and the role of nutrition has on lamb mortality is also highlighted.

Finally, Dwayne encourages farmers to take an accurate assessment of lamb mortality on their own farms and use the information as an opportunity to address some potential causes.

For more episodes from OviCast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/