Cold snap takes its toll on new lambs

By Martin Cassidy
BBC NI environment correspondent

The March cold snap has made it a bleak start to life for new born lambs in Northern Ireland.

Many lambs have survived the harsh conditions

On some farms the cold has resulted in heavy losses, with the bitter blast hitting many flocks at their most vulnerable time.

In the Mourne mountains, the snow may only have stayed on higher ground, but the bitter wind and sleet have taken a toll on flocks across Northern Ireland.

The cold has claimed many new born lambs.

Farmer Thomas Lowry said: "Whenever the lambs are born out into the chill and the cold air, the mucus that is covering the lamb chills immediately.

"The mother ignores the lamb - and is careless at getting the lamb licked - and warmed up and getting it onto its feet.

"It then just lies there until it is taken over by hypothermia."

Many lambs have survived the harsh conditions - their mothers being housed before the cold snap arrived and giving birth in the comfort of a straw bedded pen.

But not all sheep have been so lucky.

The BBC's Ceefax service - matching up foster lambs and mothers - is likely to remain busy as more cold weather is expected.

The Sheep Adoption Service is on Ceefax Page 179.