Hygiene at Lambing

Hygiene is crucial during lambing to help reduce stock losses through infections such as; watery mouth, joint ill and scours, along with mastitis and metritis in ewes.

It is estimated one in ten lambs die at lambing or before they reach a week old in the UK; good hygiene measures can help reduce this number. Good hygiene practices will help reduce antibiotic and labour costs.

• Lambing pens and housing - clean out and disinfect regularly. Ensure there is plenty of clean, dry bedding provided. Removing wet straw and afterbirth will help keep pens clean and fresh, and reduce disease issues. Good hygiene in the lambing area can help prevent the diseases mentioned above.
• Iodine application on the naval - spray or dip the naval as soon as possible after birth, and again a few hours later. This will help prevent infections, such as naval ill or coli getting into the lamb.
• Isolation pens for sick ewes or lambs – separation helps minimise the spread of disease.
• Lamb feeding equipment - ensure all feeding equipment, such as stomach tubes are properly disinfected in between use; using baby bottle sterilising solutions is good practise.
• During lambing - good hygiene during lambing is invaluable for disease prevention; use disposable gloves, clean clothes, and wash hands regularly.

For more information or advice, contact a member of the Calf & Youngstock team.