Ewes lick their lambs after birth primarily to clean and dry them, stimulate their activity, and, as the reference notes, it is associated with providing the ewe with extra nutrition.
Understanding the Purpose of Ewe Licking
Immediately following birth, a ewe engages in the vital behavior of licking her newborn lamb. This action is not merely instinctive; it serves several crucial functions for both the lamb's survival and the ewe's well-being. This initial interaction is fundamental to the first few hours of a lamb's life outside the womb.
Primary Reasons Ewes Lick Their Lambs
Based on the provided reference, the act of a ewe licking her lambs after birth is driven by several key purposes:
- To Clean and Dry Them: The lamb is born covered in amniotic fluids. Licking helps to remove these fluids, drying the lamb's coat. A dry lamb is less susceptible to hypothermia, especially in cooler conditions.
- To Stimulate the Lamb: The vigorous licking motion stimulates the lamb's circulatory and respiratory systems, encouraging it to stand, move, and begin seeking milk. This helps the lamb "get going."
- To Provide Extra Nutrition to Herself: The reference states that the act of licking and the subsequent events (like consuming the afterbirth, which often happens after licking) provide extra nutrition to the ewe. While the act of licking the lamb itself doesn't directly provide nutrition, it's part of the overall post-lambing process where the ewe may consume nutrient-rich afterbirth materials.
Detailed Benefits of Licking
Let's break down the benefits mentioned in the reference:
- Cleaning and Drying: This is a critical step in thermoregulation. A wet lamb loses heat rapidly. By thoroughly licking the lamb dry, the ewe significantly reduces the risk of the lamb becoming cold and weak.
- Stimulating Activity: The physical sensation of being licked is a powerful stimulus. It encourages the lamb to become alert, improves blood circulation, and motivates the lamb to attempt to stand up and nurse, which is essential for receiving vital colostrum.
- Ewe Nutrition: The reference notes this benefit for the ewe. Post-lambing, the ewe may consume the afterbirth (placenta), a process often initiated or associated with the intensive licking of the lamb. The afterbirth is rich in nutrients and hormones, which can help the ewe recover from birth and prepare for lactation.
Below is a summary of the key purposes of a ewe licking her lamb:
| Purpose | Impact on Lamb/Ewe |
|---|---|
| Cleaning & Drying | Prevents hypothermia, promotes cleanliness |
| Stimulation | Encourages activity, standing, and nursing |
| Ewe Nutrition | Associated with receiving nutrients post-lambing |
This essential behavior helps ensure the lamb's immediate survival and health while aiding the ewe's recovery.
