Loss of lambs on summer pasture
We have a new project: "Loss of lambs on summer pasture". The objective of the project is to find the reason why lambs die or disappear while on pasture, close to the farm or up in the mountains. One cause can be protected predators, other reasons can be various diseases.
It is important for the industry to gain more knowledge about the cause of losses: in this way it will be possible to implement targeted measures to prevent losses. The knowledge will be able to reduce the loss of animals on pasture and improve animal welfare, which in turn will reduce the ethical dilemma of sending the animals when one fears great losses.
In the project, we have equipped approximately 140 lambs and ewes in Surnadal, north-west Norway, with GPS transmitters. We hope to obtain a minimum of 20 fresh carcasses which will be examined to determine the cause of death.
Collaborating partners in the project are Møre og Romsdal bondelag, Møre og Romsdal bonde- og småbrukarlag, Møre og Romsdal sau og geit, the grazing associations in Surnadal municipality and Surnadal municipality.
From NORSØK, Kristin and Berit are involved in the project, which is financed by Møre og Romsdal county municipality. The project will run 2021-2022.