Kao i kod ostalih vrsta domaćih životinja, koje se drže u proizvodne svrhe, problemi dobrobiti javljaju se i kod ovaca. Navedeno jednako vrijedi za čitav spektar različitih sustava proizvodnje, od ekstenzivnih do intenzivnih, koji imaju svoje prednosti i nedostatke. Uzroci, i s njima povezani pokazatelji, narušene dobrobiti ovaca su brojni i različiti. U ovom (prvom) dijelu rada detaljnije su opisani: 1. pothranjenost ovaca – s posebnim naglaskom na izloženost nepovoljnim vremenskim prilikama i držanje u prenapučenim prostorima, 2. smrtnost janjadi – s posebnim naglaskom na pothlađenost, 3. kastracija janjadi, 4. odbiće janjadi, 5. uzgoj janjadi u zatvorenim proizvodnim sustavima i 6. ozljede – s posebnim naglaskom na strižu i grabežljivce.As for other domestic animal species kept for production purposes, welfare problems are present in sheep as well. This refers to whole spectrum of different sheep production systems, from extensive to intensive, with each of the systems having its advantages and disadvantages. Causes and related indicators of poor welfare in sheep are numerous and various. In this (the first) part of the paper in some detail are described: 1. sheep undernourishment – with special emphasis on exposure to extreme climatic conditions and overstocking, 2. lamb mortality – with special emphasis on hypothermia, 3. lamb castration, 4. lamb weaning, 5. indoor production systems for lambs and 6. injuries – with special emphasis on shearing and predators