Lambing Ewe

There are several important legal requirements at lambing including:

'Animals shall be cared for by a sufficient number of staff who possess the appropriate ability, knowledge and professional competence. The most significant single influence on the welfare of any flock is the shepherd.' (Nadis, 2019)

This course aims to help new entrants to the lambing shed understand the health and welfare requirements of ewes lambing, this will be through development of skills, knowledge and professional competence.

What are the entry requirements?

A level of practical skills, you will need to be able to follow oral instructions & complete written communication documents (lambing & flock records, communication boards along with medicine record as legally required).

Experience of livestock would be useful but not essential.

How long is the course?

5 hours

What will the course involve?

Learners will be briefed on best practice in sheep husbandry, the legal requirements under animal welfare legislation along with the ewe’s requirements at parturition.

Participants will be expected to be hands on with the care of the lambing ewe, this will include health and progress checks, decisions as to when to intervene, lamb adoption procedures & practices.

Additionally, post lambing care, including feeding, watering, health checks & appropriate lamb husbandry task will be included as appropriate.

What equipment will I need?

You will need standard farm PPE (personal protective equipment)

Clean overalls

Clean waterproof leggings

Clean wellington boots

Gloves will be provided.

How will I know if I am making progress?

Tutor will give oral feedback on progress from performance in set tasks which will involve ability to adapt to changing situations.

From initial assessment of skills, the course aim is to develop professional competence through practice.

What course work will I be expected to complete?

This is a practical course, however, the keeping of all livestock in the UK requires the maintenance of accurate records, exemplars will be given to practice/use.

What can I expect to learn from this course?

Appropriate ewe handling

Codes of recommendations for the welfare of farmed sheep

3 stages of labour

Common malpresentations

Common signs of infection, possible causes of these.