{"id":14872,"date":"2024-06-24T08:35:13","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T08:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/?p=14872"},"modified":"2026-05-25T09:36:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T09:36:36","slug":"weaning-lambs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-uk\/blog\/weaning-lambs\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing ewes and lambs at weaning time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n
\n
\n
Farmer Guide<\/div>\n\n

Weaning lambs: timing, ewe condition, and flock management<\/h1>\n\n

\n Weaning decisions can have a major impact on both lamb performance and ewe fertility.\n By considering lamb development, grass supply, and ewe body condition, farmers can make better weaning decisions that support flock productivity now and in the next breeding cycle.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Sheep health<\/span>\n Weaning management<\/span>\n Flock performance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\n 1<\/span>\n Weaning timing affects both lamb growth and ewe condition<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Body condition at weaning influences breeding performance<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Grass supply and stocking rate should guide decisions<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Weaning is a key point for checks and treatments<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n

Why weaning timing matters<\/h2>\n\n

\n Industry research often points to 12 weeks as an optimum weaning age, but practical flock decisions should also take account of ewe condition,\n grass availability, lamb growth, and overall farm system.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n If ewes are lean, grass supply is tight, or lamb performance is starting to slip, earlier weaning may be beneficial.\n Competition for grazing can affect both ewe recovery and lamb growth, so the goal should not only be to finish lambs well,\n but also to ensure ewes are in the right condition for mating.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n \u201cGood weaning decisions support lamb performance now and help ensure ewes are in the right condition for the next breeding season.\u201d\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
\n

When should lambs be weaned?<\/h2>\n\n

\n Weaning should take into account two main factors: the development of the lamb\u2019s rumen and the lamb\u2019s ability to convert feed efficiently into growth.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n A lamb\u2019s rumen is developed by around four weeks of age, but removing milk too early can reduce growth because milk remains a highly nutritious part of the diet.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n By around 12 weeks, milk generally makes up a much smaller part of the lamb\u2019s intake, although it still contributes valuable nutrition.\n At this stage, lambs need access to high-quality grass or feed to replace the declining milk supply.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Stocking rate, grass availability, and breed type should also guide decisions. For example, hill ewes may benefit from earlier weaning where grass quality falls away quickly.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n

Body condition score at weaning<\/h2>\n\n

\n Weaning is an important point to assess ewe body condition and make any necessary changes before tupping.\n Ewe condition has a strong influence on conception rates and next season\u2019s lamb crop.\n <\/p>\n\n

\n Both over-fat and under-conditioned ewes can underperform, so body condition scoring at weaning is essential.\n <\/p>\n\n