Factors Associated with Ewe Death and Casting in an Extensively Farmed Sheep Flock in New Zealand

Ewe deaths affect the productivity and profitability in sheep farming systems have potential animal welfare market perception implications. Internationally, there is scant data on timing causes of ewe extensive grazing systems. There no published literature incidence risk factors associated with casting (ewe late gestation accidentally immobilised, often dorsal recumbency). This study, undertaken using a cohort 1789 ewes New Zealand farm, reports production parameters for through an almost two-year period, along death during both peripartum periods. occurred throughout years but were most frequent (pre-lambing to mid-lactation) period. Casting was commonly identified cause years, responsible approximately quarter third annual mortality. Few or identified. In conclusion, period high-risk time (and, by extension, will also contribute lamb perinatal mortality). extensively grazed flocks where events occur, it recommended that all are monitored daily