A Donegal farmer has his hands full this past fortnight as two sheep on his farm gave birth to six lambs each within a week.

A sheep that was shot last year while pregnant has successfully given birth. The shooting happened at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, near Ipswich, in September, but the offender has yet to be caught.

The modification of their natural birthing cycles affected their physiology and resulted in prolonged periods of fertility.

These risks are not limited to spring or to sheep alone, the PHA says. Cows and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections. Lambing season, when risk is higher ...

When a white sheep gives birth to a black lamb, it’s usually due to genetics. Sheep have different colour genes that determine their coat colour. The colour of the lamb is inherited from both ...