§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average percentage mortality figure for(a) upland lambs, (b) lowland lambs and (c) all ewes during the lambing season; and what are the main reasons for mortality.
§ Mr. SoamesMortality figures for sheep are not collected. Mortality of young lambs varies considerably depending on the weather and other factors but is likely normally to be about 10 per cent. Hypothermia in the first two days of life is likely to be the main cause. For adult ewes, annual mortality is estimated at about 4 per cent. for which there is no single predominant cause.