Effect of short-term seclusion of sheep on their welfare indicators

Separation from the group is a potent stressor for sheep. The separation from the group may have an adverse effect on animal welfare. Therefore, the present study was initiated to determine the effect of short-term seclusion of sheep on their welfare indicators in terms of behavior and endocrine level. Sixteen ewes of 3-4 year of age were kept together for one month to form a group and get emotionally accustomed to each other. Thereafter, one individual ewe was daily separated from their group and kept in a separate shed to ward off their visual and tactile contact with other group mates.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research