Preparing for Lambing Success | FarmCo

FarmCo Team
March 19, 2025

There can often be a large discrepancy between pregnancy scanning figures and lambs weaned at the end of the season. Increasing the survival of lambs starts with the health of the ewe. Below is a checklist to ensure you are on your way to increasing lamb survival.

PRE-LAMBING CHECKLIST

Ensure ewes maintain an optimal Body Condition Score throughout pregnancy to lamb with a BCS of 3

Perform Worm Egg Count (WEC) tests
- call Chanel at Farmco on 0497 002 710 to arrange a test

Use a Pre-Lamb Program (e.g. Zoetis vaccine and drench program) for effective worm control and a complete vaccination program:

Vaccinate/ booster vaccinate

Drench

Where possible prepare weather protected, worm safe lambing paddocks with low larval challenge and sufficient high-quality pasture

Prioritise sufficient feed to multiple bearing ewes to ensure adequate nutrition to minimise the risk of pregnancy toxaemia

Put predator control plans in place at least 6 weeks prior to lambing

Why do my ewes need a booster vaccine?

Vaccination is essential to the health of the ewe and lamb during pregnancy, through parturition and whilst lactating. Pregnancy causes a suppressed immunity level in the ewe which reduces the ability to protect the ewe and unborn lamb from debilitating and deadly diseases.

During the pregnancy period and through lambing the ewe will be protected from the diseases vaccinated against. When the ewe is vaccinated 4 weeks pre-lambing the maternal antibodies (colostrum) is produced in the udder. When consumed by the lamb in the first 48hrs after birth these specific maternal antibodies protect the lamb from the corresponding diseases for 6-10 weeks. This is essential to protect the lamb from death and illness until their own immune system comes into full activity.

For the pre-lamb vaccine to be effective for the ewe and the lamb via the colostrum, the ewe must have been correctly vaccinated initially as per label instructions.

What should I consider for a drench strategy for my ewes pre-lambing?

Image of Chanel from Farmco conducting a Work Egg Test count — Chanel from Farmco conducting a Work Egg Test count, ensuring optimal livestock health through careful monitoring and analysis.

What worm burden are the ewes carrying into lambing?
- Do a Worm Egg Count 2 months before lambing to know what you are up against and monitor seasonal conditions. Call Chanel on 0497002710 to arrange a test.
Where are they going to lamb, what is the larval burden in that paddock?
This will influence your need to drench and if long-acting drenches will be needed.
What other activities are going on during lambing? Will I be seeding/spraying at the same time? Will you be able to effectively monitor the ewes during those activities?
This will influence your decision about the use of long-acting drenches.
Which products work for me and how effective are they?
Again, this will influence your decision about the use of long-acting drenches, and the importance of a priming drench in combination with the long-acting drench

For questions or concerns regarding the health of your ewes, be sure to contact your local vet or animal health specialist. For product specific inquiries, please contact Chanel or Helen here.