Lifting lamb survival through better lambing management

6 August 2026

Lifting lamb survival through better lambing management

Alison Desmond, Project Leader BestWool/BestLamb

For many sheep producers, lambing is already underway or completed. However, those lambing in August and September still have opportunities to influence lamb survival and marking percentages through management of the lambing environment.

Improving lamb survival remains one of the most profitable opportunities in sheep production. While genetics and seasonal conditions play a role, management decisions before and during lambing can have a major impact on the number of lambs weaned. The first 48 hours of a lamb's life are particularly critical, with most lamb losses occurring during this period.

Mob size matters

Research consistently shows that smaller mob sizes at lambing improve lamb survival, particularly for twin and triplet-bearing ewes.

The main reason is reduced mismothering. When large numbers of ewes are lambing in the same paddock, the risk of lambs becoming separated from their mother increases. Multiple-bearing ewes are especially vulnerable because they need to successfully bond with more than one lamb.

As a general guide, twin-bearing ewes should be managed in smaller mobs than single-bearing ewes, while triplet-bearing ewes should be smaller again. Optimum mob sizes will vary between farms depending on paddock size, shelter, fencing, water infrastructure, and stocking rate, but prioritising smaller mobs for twins and triplets is a proven strategy for improving lamb survival.

Pregnancy scanning is essential to maximise the benefits, allowing ewes to be managed according to litter size and allocated to appropriate paddocks.

Shelter saves lambs

Providing adequate shelter remains one of the most effective ways to reduce lamb losses, particularly during cold, wet, and windy conditions.

Newborn lambs are highly susceptible to exposure during their first few hours of life. Twin and triplet-born lambs are especially at risk because they are often smaller and have lower energy reserves than single-born lambs.

The best lambing paddocks provide shelter throughout the paddock rather than in one small area. Shelter belts, shrubs, and natural landscape features can all help reduce wind chill and encourage ewes to lamb in protected locations.

Shelter is most effective when combined with appropriate stocking rates and mob sizes. High ewe densities around sheltered areas can increase disturbance and mismothering.

Use your best lambing paddocks

Past lambing records can provide valuable information when selecting paddocks.

Paddocks that consistently achieve high marking percentages should be prioritised for higher-risk animals such as twin and triplet-bearing ewes, maiden ewes, and older breeding ewes. Factors including shelter, feed availability, topography, water point location and paddock layout can all influence lamb survival.

Recording and reviewing scanning and marking results by paddock helps identify which lambing environments perform best and where future improvements can be made.

Minimise disturbance

A strong ewe-lamb bond is critical to survival. Ideally, ewes should remain undisturbed at the birth site for several hours after lambing.

Unnecessary disturbance from people, dogs, vehicles, or stock movements can interrupt bonding and increase the risk of ewe and lamb separation. Smaller mob sizes reduce competition and disturbance, helping newly lambed ewes establish a bond with their lambs.

Stacking the gains

There is no single solution for improving lamb survival. The greatest benefits come from combining a range of proven management practices, including:

While seasonal conditions can't be controlled, the lambing environment can. By stacking these management practices together, producers can improve lamb survival, lift marking percentages, and increase the profitability of their sheep enterprise.

More information:

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au