Lameness remains one of the most costly and frustrating health challenges faced by UK sheep farmers. It affects animal welfare, reduces growth rates and fertility, and increases labour requirements. Estimates show that lameness can cost the average UK flock between £3.90-£6.35 per ewe per year, based on treating and managing footrot alone. The post-weaning period provides an excellent opportunity to treat, review and make management decisions that can pay dividends for the
future.
Why focus on lameness now?
Once lambs are weaned, producers often have greater flexibility to assess and manage individual ewes. It may be the perfect time to get on top of treatments, and farmers are often encouraged to have a specific field with easy access for sheep currently undergoing treatment.
– Correct diagnosis matters
Not all lameness is the same, and successful treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment, prolonged time managing the case and ongoing disease spread.
If there is uncertainty about the cause of lameness in your flock, consult your vet. A clear diagnosis allows targeted treatment plans and helps avoid unnecessary costs.
Good record keeping is essential
Good records are one of the most powerful tools in lameness control. Whether records are kept on dedicated flock software or simple pen and paper,
the key is consistency.
Every treatment should be recorded, including animal ID, the suspected cause of lameness and the treatment given. At the end of the season, these records can highlight animals that repeatedly
require attention. Many farms operate a simple “three strikes” policy, where ewes that require treatment for lameness several times within a year are culled. Whatever system is chosen, identifying and
removing chronic cases can significantly reduce disease pressure within the flock.
– Think about replacement ewes
When selecting replacement ewes, pay close attention to foot health alongside growth rates, conformation and overall performance. Animals that have shown signs of lameness early in life may be more likely to experience future problems.
Selecting replacements from sound, healthy stock helps build a more resilient flock over time and reduces the risk of carrying lameness issues into the next
generation. Be critical with your stock – it’ll pay later!
– Ensure robust quarantine measures
Quarantining incoming stock, be it any homebred replacements returning from keep or newly purchased, will form the mainstay for infectious foot health. Ensure that these sheep are kept separately from the main flock for 21-28 days, consider foot bathing, and monitor closely to signs of lameness. Any lame sheep should be caught, turned and their lesion identified before treatment. Several farmers have
expressed frustration to me that their quarantining regime was not good enough and have ended up bringing in CODD (contagious ovine digital dermatitis) to their flock, for example.
Five post-weaning actions to take now
1. Get on top of any current lameness outbreaks.
2. Review lameness records, identify repeat offenders and cull chronic cases.
3. Check and treat lame rams 8 weeks pre-tupping.
4. Assess replacement ewe lambs and shearlings with foot health in mind.
5. Work with your vet to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan for the year ahead.
By taking a proactive approach after weaning, farmers can reduce lameness levels, improve flock productivity and enter the breeding season with healthier sheep and a stronger
Don’t overlook ram health!
Rams contribute half of the flock’s genetic potential and their fertility has a major influence on lambing performance.
Foot health in rams has a two-pronged effect:
• A lame ram is less likely to seek out and serve ewes effectively. Any rise in his overall temperature will reduce or stop sperm production which can take 6-8 weeks to recover, causing him to be sub-fertile or infertile.
• Poor foot conformation will be passed onto his offspring. This is an issue for flocks breeding replacements and rearing fat lambs – poor foot structure can increase susceptibility to many kinds of lameness.
Tip and check all rams’ feet 8 weeks before tupping. Any signs of lameness should be investigated and treated promptly. Don’t be tempted to use lame rams – they’ll do more harm than good!
Written By Nicky Ogden, Veterinary Surgeon
