Diarrhoea, often referred to as “scours”, is one of the most common health challenges faced by young lambs during their first weeks of life. While it may initially seem like a minor issue, diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration, reduced growth rates, increased treatment costs, and in severe cases, mortality.
The good news is that many cases of diarrhoea can be prevented through good management practices. By focusing on hygiene, nutrition, and early intervention, farmers can significantly reduce the risk and give lambs the best possible start.
Young lambs are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. When diarrhoea occurs, they rapidly lose fluids, electrolytes, and energy. Even short periods of illness can negatively impact growth and future performance.
Prevention is therefore always more effective—and less costly—than treatment.
Several factors can contribute to diarrhoea in young lambs, and often more than one factor is involved.
Colostrum is the lamb’s first source of immunity. Lambs that receive inadequate amounts of good-quality colostrum shortly after birth are far more susceptible to disease-causing pathogens.
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites thrive in dirty environments. Contaminated feeding equipment, bedding, and lambing areas can quickly become sources of infection.
Nutritional diarrhoea can occur when:
Consistency is essential for maintaining digestive health.
Several infectious agents are commonly associated with lamb diarrhoea, including:
These pathogens can spread rapidly, particularly during busy lambing periods when many young animals are housed together.
The first hours of a lamb’s life are critical. A strong start can greatly reduce the risk of health problems later on.
Clean, dry lambing pens help minimise exposure to disease-causing organisms. Remove soiled bedding regularly and disinfect pens between occupants whenever possible.
Every lamb should receive sufficient high-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Early colostrum intake supports immunity and helps protect against many of the pathogens that cause diarrhoea.
All feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after every use, including:
Small hygiene lapses can quickly become major disease risks when feeding large groups of lambs.
Early detection allows for faster treatment and better outcomes.
Watch for signs such as:
The sooner action is taken, the better the chances of recovery.
If a lamb develops diarrhoea, immediate management is important.
Isolation helps reduce the spread of infectious organisms to healthy lambs and allows closer monitoring of the affected animal.
Diarrhoea causes significant fluid and electrolyte losses. Oral electrolyte solutions can help replace these losses and support recovery. Electrolytes should be offered between milk feedings according to veterinary recommendations.
If symptoms are severe, persist for more than a short period, or multiple lambs are affected, consult your veterinarian or youngstock specialist. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
One of the simplest ways to improve response times is to develop a clear scours protocol before lambing begins. This protocol should outline:
Sharing this protocol with everyone involved in lamb care helps ensure a consistent and rapid response when problems arise.
Diarrhoea remains a common challenge in sheep production, but many cases can be avoided through strong colostrum management, excellent hygiene, consistent feeding practices, and early intervention.
By focusing on prevention and acting quickly when symptoms appear, producers can protect lamb health, improve growth performance, and reduce losses throughout the lambing season.
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive the latest updates from Nutrifeed!
home • News • Preventing Diarrhoea in Young Lambs: Practical Steps for a Healthy Start