Welfare issues in the reproductive management of small ruminants

Abstract

Often, the welfare of sheep and goats is focussed on flock/herd management and the major issues surrounding parturition and early development of lambs/kids. There is an increased interest in the way we manage domestic species and small ruminants are perceived as having a green and welfare friendly image. The management of reproduction in these species has the potential to affect this perception and the limiting factors for these procedures are discussed. Discussion of genetic modification and manipulation has become a focal point in the critical appraisal of the management of farmed livestock and the importance of the consideration of the mental health and well being of the animal is considered as an important part of this analysis. The diversity of options that are available for this analysis and the application of these options is discussed.