29/09/2026
Ewes lick their newborn kids as part of normal maternal behaviour. It is very important in the first few minutes to hours after birth. They do this for a number of reasons .
1. Cleans the kid
She removes amniotic fluid, mucus and fetal membranes from the kid’s body, particularly around the nose and mouth, helping the kid breathe properly.
2. Stimulates breathing and circulation
Vigorous licking and nudging stimulate the newborn, encouraging it to breathe, move and become alert.
3. Strengthens maternal bonding
The ewe learns the kid’s smell and vocalization, which helps her recognize and accept it as her offspring. This is particularly important in preventing rejection.
4. Encourages the kid to stand
The ewe’s licking and nudging stimulate the kid to become active and attempt to stand and suckle.
5. Helps dry and warm the kid
Newborn kids lose body heat rapidly when wet. Removing fluid from the coat helps reduce heat loss and hypothermia.
6. Stimulates urination and defecation
Maternal licking around the perineal region can stimulate elimination in the newborn.
7. Transfers maternal microorganisms
Contact with the ewe and her environment exposes the kid to normal microorganisms, which contributes to development of its early microbial environment.
One very important point After birth, the priority is Suckle
The kid should receive adequate colostrum as soon as possible, ideally within the first few hours of life, because intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins decreases rapidly after birth.