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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
The Perinatal Asphyxiated Lamb Model: A Model for Newborn Resuscitation
Published on: August 15, 2018
Maternal caffeine administration to ewes does not affect perinatal lamb survival.
S M Robertson1, S H Edwards2, G S Doran3
1School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Albert Pugsley Place, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650, Australia; Fred Morley Centre, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia.
Caffeine supplementation did not improve lamb survival rates in extensive sheep production systems. This study found no significant difference in perinatal lamb survival or growth with caffeine treatment in Merino ewes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Perinatal lamb mortality is a significant economic loss in sheep farming.
- Caffeine has shown potential in improving outcomes in other species after hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of caffeine in enhancing perinatal lamb survival.
- To determine if caffeine impacts lamb growth rates and ewe mortality.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments involving Merino ewes were conducted.
- Experiment 1: Ewes received daily caffeine (20 mg/kg live weight) during lambing.
- Experiment 2: Ewes received caffeine (10 mg/kg live weight) around lambing; controls received water.
Main Results:
- Caffeine treatment did not significantly alter lamb survival to marking age in either experiment.
- No significant differences were observed in the proportion of lambs born dead.
- Ewe mortality and lamb weight at marking remained unaffected by caffeine administration.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine is not an effective therapeutic agent for increasing perinatal lamb survival.
- Caffeine does not improve lamb growth rates in extensive sheep production systems.
