By Scout Nelson
Mara Johnson, SDSU Graduate Research Assistant, highlights how shearing before lambing can support better lamb growth and survival in sheep operations.
Shearing ewes before lambing is a common practice used to improve cleanliness and help newborn lambs find the udder quickly. Beyond these benefits, research shows that shearing can also affect lamb birth, weight, and early growth. This makes it an important management tool for producers.
The timing of shearing plays a key role in its impact. The best results are seen when ewes are shorn between 50 and 90 days of pregnancy. This stage is important because the placenta is still developing. A healthy placenta helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the growing lamb.
Shearing during this period may increase the ewe’s metabolic activity as it adjusts to cooler temperatures. This can lead to better nutrient flow in the fetus. Changes in hormones and improved blood vessel development in the placenta may also support stronger fetal growth. As a result, lambs born to shorn ewes are often slightly heavier and more active at birth.
Producers should manage shearing carefully to avoid stress. Using low-stress handling methods is important. Ewes should have proper shelter, especially during cold or wet weather. Good nutrition is also necessary to meet the higher energy needs after shearing. It is recommended to shear at least 30 days before lambing to reduce risks.
This practice shows that simple management decisions can have a strong effect on animal performance. By choosing the right timing and providing proper care, producers can improve lamb survival and growth.
Overall, pre-lambing shearing, when combined with good nutrition and proper management, is a useful strategy for improving outcomes in sheep production systems.
For a full summary of this research conducted at SDSU, visit Open Prairie.
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Goats & Sheep