Ewe Condition Through Lactation

Updated 19th March 2026

Many farmers are in the midst of lambing or preparing for it, and while the focus is on this year’s crop, it’s important to consider how lactation management will influence next year’s lambing performance.

Ovarian follicles begin developing around six months before mating, and this process is heavily influenced by the ewe’s nutrition and body condition. Condition loss during lactation is common and often accepted as inevitable. However, ewes that start lambing lean and lose more condition while rearing lambs may suffer reduced reproductive performance. Regaining condition before tupping can be difficult, and body condition at mating strongly affects scanning results and rearing percentage.

Assessing body condition at lambing and planning support for leaner ewes can pay dividends. Key strategies include:

1. Targeted grazing: Prioritise lean ewes for the best quality pasture, maintaining at least 5 cm of grass. Herbal leys, clover-rich swards and leafy ryegrass are ideal.
2. Supplementary feeding: If grass supply drops below 5 cm during lactation, provide additional feed to support milk production, lamb growth and ewe recovery.
3. Creep feeding lambs: Supplying lambs directly reduces grazing pressure on ewes, improves feed efficiency, and may allow earlier marketing at favourable prices.
4. Early weaning: Weaning between 8–14 weeks can help lean ewes regain condition before tupping. Manage stress and ensure adequate pasture to avoid checking lamb growth.

Condition scoring is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in flock productivity. Prioritising ewe condition during and after lactation can significantly improve future lamb performance and overall flock success.

Poppy Frater, poppy.frater@sac.co.uk