Identification of risk factors for ewe mortality during the pregnancy and lambing period in extensively managed flocks.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ewe mortality during pregnancy and lambing is an issue for sheep producers globally, resulting in reduced productivity and profitability, compromised ewe welfare, and poor consumer perception. Despite these negative consequences, there was little investigation into factors associated with ewe death during this time. Therefore, this study aimed to assess associations between ewe body condition score (BCS), weight, reproductive parameters, and risk of mortality during pregnancy and lambing.

Methods

Four cohorts from three commercial New Zealand farms participated, with 13,142 ewe lambs enrolled and followed over time. Data were collected for five consecutive lambings. Visits aligned with key on-farm management times, specifically: prior to breeding, at pregnancy dia

SUBMITTER: Flay KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10698936 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature