Lamb
12 September, 2025
Avoid stock loss after shearing
WITH wool acting as a perfect insulator, it is little wonder that freshly shorn sheep may experience an increase in heat loss.
Especially if in light condition, freshly shorn sheep can experience a threefold increase in heat loss and will therefore be prone to hypothermia.
According to Agriculture Victoria’s senior veterinary officer Dr Jeff Cave, shorn sheep are at the greatest risk of cold stress in the first three days (or nights) after shearing.
And they remain at risk for up to two weeks, with mortalities seen in some mobs up to four weeks after shearing.
“Although there is little wool growth, acclimatisation and considerable skin thickening occurr after shearing,” Dr Cave said.
“It is therefore essential to closely monitor predicted weather conditions before putting shorn sheep into a paddock after shearing.
“The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can be severe for sheep. The impact of the cold weather will depend on its duraction, rainfall, wind speed and temperature.”
According to Dr Cave, the type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia is usually associated with a strong cold front or a rain-bearing depression.
“Sheep grazier alerts are issued when a combination of rain, wind and low temperatures reaches a critical level,” he said.
“If a sheep grazier alert has been received at the end of shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay.
“Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to a paddock with adequate shelter and continue to provide supplementary feed.”
In areas prone to winter storms, Dr Cave said a ‘cover comb’ or ‘snow comb’ can be used – which leaves around .5cm of wool to help protect against hypothermia.
Once freshly shorn sheep get cold, they may become extremely difficult to move so always put shorn sheep into a protected paddock with plenty of shelter from the cold and wind.
It is suggested that off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts.
Extra feed should be provided to the mob for up to four weeks after shearing to meet their increased energy needs.
“Shearing a month before lambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs,” Dr Cave said.
“However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes are in good condition and have free access to good feed and shelter.
“Heavily pregnant ewes should not be subjected to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves.”
For further information speak with your local veterinarian or animal health officer.