Effects of Reduced Space Allowance and Heat Stress on Behavior and Eye Temperature in Unweaned Lambs: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Current European animal transportation law contains only a few and vague indications concerning how to move lambs of less than 26 kg. Moreover, little information is available in the literature about factors affecting these lambs’ welfare. We investigated the effect of space allowance and ambient temperature on the welfare of unweaned Lacaune lambs during a simulation of long-distance transportation (19 h). Three groups of lambs (N = 130) were housed in equally sized pens for 19 h, Control (C; n = 39; 0.27 m2 per head), Low Space Allowance (LSA; n = 52; 0.20 m2 per head), and Heat Stress (HS; n = 39; 0.27 m2 per head) groups. LSA lambs had lower space allowance than C but were tested at the same temperature, within their Thermoneutral zone (range = 12–18 °C). The HS lambs were, instead, subjected to higher temperatures (range = 19–30 °C). Scan sampling of behavior was conducted, eye temperature and body weight were also recorded. LSA and HS lambs showed more discomfort behaviors (p < 0.05) and higher eye temperatures (p < 0.001) compared to C lambs, while HS lambs additionally showed a decrease in body weight over the experimental period (p < 0.001). This study indicates that lower space allowances and higher temperatures impact negatively the welfare of lambs transported for slaughter suggesting that the regulation should be implemented taking these factors into account.

Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems

“…The neck forward behavior was positively associated with the stretching behavior. Stretching is usually categorized as a comfort behavior for broilers 30 , but it could also be used when the animal needs to relax stress-related tension in their muscles 31 , 32 or as an adaptive strategy for dealing with unknown contexts 33 . Neck forward and stretching were eventually considered social avoidance behaviors, although they could be ambivalent and thus require further study, case-by-case assessment, and perhaps a better description in the ethogram.…”

“…These trials were performed in the hottest season; thus, the geese's behavioral differences during the day could also depend on the fact that animals preferred to carry out active behaviors during the cooler hours (morning), while in the hottest hours (afternoon), they engaged in static activities. Active behaviors cause an increase in metabolism and body temperature 38 , whereas static behavior, such as roosting, is considered adaptative behavior to promote heat dissipation 31 , 39 .…”

Welfare of small ruminants during transport

“…Insufficient horizontal space (space allowance): At some stage of the journey, sheep may need to lie down either when the vehicle is in motion or stationary (Menchetti et al, 2021).…”

“…Menchetti et al. (2021) reported that lambs of 25 kg, that were not transported, had a greater frequency of trampling and aggressive behaviour when kept at a k‐value of 0.026 than at a k‐value of 0.033.…”

“…It is not directly comparable to transport conditions, but effects of space allowance on trampling and aggressive behaviour have also been found when sheep were not transported. Menchetti et al (2021) reported that lambs of 25 kg, that were not transported, had a greater frequency of trampling and aggressive behaviour when kept at a k-value of 0.026 than at a k-value of 0.033.…”