Navel Care at Lambing: Why Barrier Solutions Are Replacing Traditional Iodine
Lambing time is one of the most critical periods in the sheep calendar. Good hygiene and early intervention can make the difference between a healthy lamb and avoidable losses. One area that has come under increased scrutiny in recent years is navel care.
Traditionally, 10% iodine has been widely used to disinfect lamb navels. However, new independent research published in Veterinary Record has shown that modern navel barrier solutions can significantly reduce lamb mortality when compared to iodine alone.
What Did the Research Find?
A large on-farm trial involving over 6,800 lambs across 10 commercial sheep farms compared traditional iodine treatment with a novel navel barrier solution applied at birth.
The results were clear:
Lambs treated with a navel barrier solution had lower mortality rates than those treated with 10% iodine
The study showed a 21% reduction in the odds of death in lambs treated with a barrier solution
Dipping the navel was more effective than spraying
No increase in joint ill was recorded, reinforcing that barrier products provide protection without compromising welfare
In simple terms, creating a physical barrier at the navel helps prevent bacteria entering the bloodstream during those crucial first hours and days of life.
Why Barrier Solutions Make Sense at Lambing
Unlike iodine, which disinfects then quickly dries off, barrier products:
Seal the navel stump
Protect against environmental bacteria, slurry and bedding contamination
Remain in place for longer
Reduce the risk of navel ill, joint ill and secondary infections
This is particularly important in busy lambing sheds, outdoor lambing systems, or during challenging weather conditions.
NoBacz Healthcare Navel – Available from McCaskie
At McCaskie, we stock NoBacz Healthcare Navel, a ready-to-use barrier solution designed specifically for lambing.
Key benefits:
Forms a visible protective barrier over the navel
Easy to apply by dipping
Helps reduce infection risk in newborn lambs
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor lambing systems
Ambugreen – Supporting Hygiene Beyond the Navel
Good navel care works best alongside clean, dry bedding. That’s why we also recommend Ambugreen, a powerful bedding conditioner available from McCaskie.
Ambugreen:
Dries bedding quickly
Reduces bacterial load in lambing pens
Supports overall lamb and ewe health
Complements navel care protocols
Getting Lambing Right
The evidence is clear: modern lambing protocols are moving beyond iodine alone. By combining:
Effective navel barrier protection
Clean, well-managed bedding
Good hygiene practices
farmers can improve lamb survival and reduce early-life health issues.
If you’re preparing for lambing, speak to the team at McCaskie for practical advice and the right products to protect lambs from day one.
NoBacz Healthcare Navel and Ambugreen are available now from McCaskie Country Stores.