Maternal behaviour at parturition in outdoor conditions differs only moderately between single-bearing ewes selected for their calm or nervous temperament

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 675 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. L. Bickell ◽  
R. Nowak ◽  
P. Poindron ◽  
D. Ferguson ◽  
D. Blache
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Human Observer ◽  
Recording Device ◽  
Maternal Experience ◽  
Early Postpartum ◽  
Lower Reactivity ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival

Maternal and lamb behaviours play a major role in lamb survival and there is evidence that selection for calm temperament may help improve lamb survival by improving maternal behaviour. However, the apparent better maternal behaviour of calm ewes might be due partly to their lower reactivity to the presence of the human observer rather than to better maternal behaviour per se. The extent to which the selection for temperament influenced the behaviour of the ewe and lamb after parturition with minimal human disturbance was investigated in the present work. Single-bearing multiparous and primiparous ewes were observed to determine any interactions of temperament with maternal experience on ewe and lamb behaviours. Postpartum ewe-lamb interactions under outdoor lambing conditions were captured by continuous video recordings by a remote controlled recording device for up to 2 h postpartum. Calm ewes licked their lambs more and tended to stay longer on the birth site. Nervous lambs stood up earlier and were quicker to start performing exploratory behaviour. However, duration of suckling during the observation period did not differ between the calm and nervous lambs. There were no effects of maternal experience on the behaviour of the lamb and there were no interactions between temperament and maternal experience on the behaviour of the ewe or lamb. Our study indicates that temperament does influence the early postpartum behaviour of ewes and lambs under extensive field conditions.

The effects of selection for lean tissue content on maternal and neonatal lamb behaviours in Scottish Blackface sheep

2001 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Dwyer ◽  
A. B. Lawrence ◽  
S. C. Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Selection Line ◽  
Median Latency ◽  
Lean Tissue ◽  
Lean Growth ◽  
Tissue Content ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival

AbstractBritish hill sheep are required to give birth to and rear their lambs under harsh extensive conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic selection for increased (LEAN) or decreased (FAT) carcass lean content in the Scottish Blackface breed over 7 years had affected the ability of ewes to rear lambs by altering the expression of maternal and neonatal lamb behaviours. The behaviour of 61 ewes (32 LEAN and 29 FAT) and their 119 lambs were recorded at parturition and over the first 8 weeks of life. Overall there were very few effects of selection on the behaviour of the ewes. LEAN ewes were significantly faster than FAT ewes to start grooming their lambs after birth and FAT ewes tended to withdraw more frequently from their lambs than LEAN ewes. There was, however, a highly significant effect of selection line on lamb behaviour. LEAN lambs were significantly quicker than FAT lambs to perform all righting movements (median latency to stand (mins): LEAN = 11·7, FAT = 23·4, P < 0·01), were more likely both to suck (percentage that sucked: LEAN = 81·0%, FAT = 57·1%, P < 0·05), and to play within the first 2 h of birth. The higher rate of sucking in LEAN lambs persisted over the first 3 days after birth (percent observations where lambs were sucking: LEAN = 7·8 (s.e. 0·8), FAT = 5·1 (s.e. 0·6), P < 0·05), when LEAN lambs were also significantly closer to their mothers than FAT lambs. Thereafter, there were no significant effects of ewe or lamb line on behaviours recorded up to 8 weeks after birth. Overall lamb mortality to 8 weeks was 19·3% and was not significantly affected by lamb line. However, lambs that were slow to perform early behaviours had a reduced survival to 8 weeks of age. These data suggest that, although ewe maternal behaviour has not been significantly affected by selection for lean growth, the activity of the neonatal lamb has been affected. Lamb activity was related to lamb survival, even in our indoor lambing conditions. It is likely that the speed with which newborn lambs stand and suck will be even more important for survival under extensive conditions.

Lamb survival in Australian flocks: a review

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 656 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. N. Hinch ◽  
F. Brien
Keyword(s):  
Cold Resistance ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival

Lamb survival is known to be a key component of reproductive efficiency in sheep flocks. It has been the subject of a large number of studies over the decades and this review provides an update and insights into the latest understanding of the extent and variability of lamb losses across Australia. The pattern of causes of lamb losses, including dystocia, starvation/exposure, mismothering and predation, are examined. Likewise the importance of birthweight in contributing to such losses is discussed as are strategies for improving lamb survival. The strategies examined include improved ewe nutrition, shelter provision and selection for cold resistance and improved maternal behaviour.

Opportunities for genetic improvement of lamb survival

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. Brien ◽  
M. L. Hebart ◽  
D. H. Smith ◽  
J. E. Hocking Edwards ◽  
J. C. Greeff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Net Reproduction ◽  
Birth Time

Data on lamb survival and associated traits involving records from 15 192 lambs, 6308 dams and 284 sires from the Sheep CRC’s Information Nucleus were studied. Lamb survival to 3 days of age and to weaning was 85 and 80%, respectively, and heritability (±s.e.) was 0.014 ± 0.010 and 0.010 ± 0.010, respectively. Of the 14 traits recorded at birth, time taken for the lamb to bleat, rectal temperature and crown–rump length had the highest genetic correlations with lamb survival to weaning (–0.43 ± 0.32, 0.56 ± 0.33 and –0.38 ± 0.36, respectively). Under selection for a multi-trait objective including net reproduction rate (but not lamb survival), survival was predicted to decline genetically by 0.25 lambs weaned per 100 lambs born.year, although this was reversed to a gain of 0.20 lambs weaned per 100 lambs born.year by including the trait in the breeding objective and using 50 half-sib and 50 progeny records per selection candidate. Accuracy of selection for lamb survival was improved to 0.735 with a selection index of lamb survival to weaning, lamb ease, birth coat score, time taken to bleat, rectal temperature and crown–rump length, with the addition of 50 half-sibs and 50 progeny records per candidate. Our results suggest that unless actively incorporated into breeding objectives, lamb survival may genetically decline; however, gains are possible with direct selection using half-sib and progeny records. The addition of indirect selection criteria for lamb survival can further improve accuracy, up to 93.4%, but requires further investigation.

Maternal behaviour in Border Leicester, Glen Vale (Border Leicester derived) and Merino sheep

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Alexander ◽  
D Stevens ◽  
LR Bradley ◽  
SA Barwick
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Care ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Selection Program ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Lamb Survival

Ewe and lamb behaviour in traditional Border Leicesters, Glen Vale Border Leicesters of the NSW Agriculture and Fisheries, Glen Vale x Border Leicester crosses and medium-fine-wool Merinos, all running in paddocks of 3-4.5 ha, were compared in spring 1983 at Glen Innes, N.S.W. Twenty-eight aspects of behaviour with a known or reputed influence on lamb survival, especially of multiples, were examined in undisturbed and contrived situations. The Glen Vales and their crosses were superior to the Border Leicesters and Merinos in behaviour and lamb survival, particularly behaviour concerned with the ability of ewes to keep their lambs together. The study indicates that contrived twin-care tests could form the basis of a selection program to improve maternal care and survival of multiples.

Lamb survival in relation to lambing and neonatal behaviour in medium wool Merino lines divergently selected for multiple rearing ability

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 801 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. P. Cloete ◽  
A. J. Scholtz
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Multiple Birth ◽  
Base Population ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Litter Weight ◽  
Least Squares Adjustment ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival

Summary. Two lines of Merino sheep were divergently selected from the same base population since 1986 on maternal ranking values for multiple rearing ability. In the high (H) line, ewe and ram progeny were preferably descended from ewes that reared >1 lamb per joining. In the low (L) line, replacements were the progeny of ewes that reared <1 lamb per joining. Data on lamb mortality, lambing and neonatal behaviour as well as lamb production were obtained from these lines over 5 years (1993–97). Lamb survival was improved (P<0.01) in the H line, mainly as a result of the improved survival of multiples. It was evident that the survival of lambs was not compromised by selection for ewe multiple rearing ability, despite the fact that higher mortality levels are expected with an increase in multiple birth rate. No line difference was found for the time lapse from birth to first standing for >10 s, but H line lambs were quicker (P<0.01) to progress from standing to suckling than L line contemporaries (28 v. 38 min respectively). This line difference remained after adjustment for better co-operation of H line ewes with the first suckling attempts of their progeny. Ewes in the H line tended (P = 0.18) to remain longer on or near their birth sites than L line contemporaries (403 v. 362 min respectively). They also tended to be less (P = 0.07) likely to desert their lambs than L line ewes (12/424 = 0.028 v. 14/230 = 0.061 respectively). After least-squares adjustment for their heavier (P<0.01) litter weight, H line ewes experienced shorter (P<0.05) births than their L line contemporaries (46 v. 57 min respectively). Fewer (P<0.05) H line lambs died during or shortly after parturition (respective proportions of 22/890 = 0.025 and 25/441 = 0.057), while maiden H line ewes were less (P<0.05) likely to be assisted at lambing than L line contemporaries (4/107 = 0.037 v. 8/61 = 0.131 respectively). With regard to overall lamb production, it was found that the number of lambs weaned per ewe present at lambing in the H line was improved (P<0.05) in all years relative to that observed in the L line, the differences ranging from 25% in 1993 to 47% in 1997. Lamb weaning weight was correspondingly improved (P<0.05) in H line lambs, the differences ranging from 8% in 1994 to 22% in 1996. Fairly high levels of production could thus be attained with predominantly pasture-fed ewes selected for multiple rearing ability.

Breed differences in the expression of maternal care at parturition persist throughout the lactation period in sheep

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 70-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
H E Pickup ◽  
C M Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Care ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Breed Differences ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Negative Behaviour

In the ewe maternal care begins at parturition with grooming of the neonate and cooperation with early sucking attempts (e.g. Shillito-Walser 1978). Subsequently maternal care is expressed through sucking interactions, a close ewe-lamb association and a tendency to seek absent lambs (e.g. Hinch et al 1987). The ewe increasingly controls sucking interactions using a ‘head-up’ posture to signal when the lamb may approach and suck (Lawrence 1984).Two breeds of sheep, Suffolk and Scottish Blackface, are known to differ in their initial maternal behaviour. Blackface ewes spend longer grooming their lambs, show more cooperation with sucking attempts and less negative behaviour such as aggression and rejection, when compared to Suffolk ewes (Dwyer & Lawrence 1998). The aim of this study was to examine whether these breed differences in the expression of maternal care persist throughout the lactation period.

Reproductive performance of ewe lambs: genetic correlation with weaning weight and subsequent reproductive performance

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (80) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Barlow ◽  
CJ Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Net Reproductive Rate ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Selection For

The reproductive performance of Merino ewe lambs was examined in flocks with different selection histories for growth to weaning and net reproductive rate. These ewes were drawn from selection flocks maintained at the Agricultural Research Station, Trangie. There was evidence of a positive genetic correlation between weaning weight and reproductive performance of ewe lambs. Selection for weaning weight had a significant effect on the percentage of ewes lambing (P < 0.05). This appeared to be a function of a higher level of fertility (P <0.05) and a higher proportion of ewes mating (n.s.). The proportion of ewes apparently in oestrus during a 39 day teasing period, prior to joining, was significantly influenced by selection for weaning weight (P < 0.05). Simultaneous selection for increased net reproductive rate, weaning weight and clean fleece weight did not result in higher ewe lamb performance than that achieved by selection for increased weaning weight alone. No conclusion could be drawn from these data about the correlation between net reproductive rate and reproductive performance of ewe lambs.

Early mother–young relationship and feeding behaviour of lambs are unaffected by low pasture allowance until the beginning of the last third of gestation in single-bearing ewes

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 930 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Freitas-de-Melo ◽  
R. Ungerfeld ◽  
A. Orihuela ◽  
M. J. Hötzel ◽  
R. Pérez-Clariget
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Behaviour Score ◽  
Different Levels

Nutrition during gestation influences ewes’ bodyweight (BW), the bond with their lamb, milk yield and lamb development, and thus feeding behaviour of lambs during postnatal rearing. The aim of this study was to determine if the level of native pasture allowance from before conception until the beginning of the last third of gestation of single-bearing ewes influences the ewe–lamb relationship at birth and the feeding behaviour of lambs during postnatal rearing. A second aim was to determine whether the nutritional treatments affect ewes’ milk yield and their lambs’ bodyweight. Eleven multiparous Corriedale ewes grazed a high pasture allowance [10–12 kg of dry matter (DM)/100 kg of BW/day; HPA treatment], and another 11 grazed a low pasture allowance (5–8 kg of DM/100 kg of BW/day; LPA treatment) for 145 days beginning 40 days before conception. After the end of this treatment all ewes grazed on Festuca arundinacea and received rice bran and crude glycerine until 3 days before birth. Ewes’ BW was recorded monthly before and during gestation. Latency from parturition until the ewe licked her lamb, latency for lamb to stand up and suckle were recorded, and Maternal Behaviour Score was determined 12–24 h after birth. All the variables recorded during postpartum were determined approximately every 30 days. Grazing, ruminating and suckling events of the lambs were recorded from Day 23 until 142 days of age. Milk yield was determined from 32 until 140 days after lambing. Lambs’ BW was recorded from birth until 140 days of age. On Day 41 the BW change tended to be greater in HPA ewes than in LPA ewes, and on Days 79 and 105 it was greater in HPA ewes than LPA ewes (P = 0.006 and P = 0.005 respectively). Treatments did not affect the behaviours at birth of ewes and lambs, milk yield, ruminating and suckling events of lambs, ewes’ and lambs’ BW. The lambs from HPA ewes tended to present a greater frequency of grazing than the LPA lambs. Different levels of native pasture allowances from before conception until the last third of gestation in single-bearing ewes, followed by an increase in nutrient supply, did not affect ewe–lamb behaviours at birth, milk yield, lambs’ growth, and their feeding behaviours during rearing.

scholarly journals Patterns of maternal behaviour of ewes and sucking behaviour of lambs

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
D. A. GOUGOULIS (Δ.Α. ΓΚΟΥΓΚΟΥΛΗΣ) ◽  
Ι. KYRIAZAKIS (Η. ΚΥΡΙΑΖΑΚΗΣ) ◽  
G. C. FTHENAKIS (Γ. Χ. ΦΘΕΝΑΚΗΣ)
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Hormonal Control ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
General Studies ◽  
Haptic Cues

In the present article the literature of maternal and sucking behaviour of sheep is reviewed. The article is divided into five sections: (i) Preparation of the ewe - lambing, (ii) Initiation of maternal behaviour - recognition of newborn lambs, (iii) Recognition between ewe and newborn lambs (auditory stimuli and ewe-lamb recognition, visual ewe-lamb recognition, olfactory cues for maternal behaviour, haptic cues in teat seeking by newborn lambs), (iv) Other patterns of ewe - lamb behaviour (other behavioural patterns immediately post-partum, behavioural patterns during lactation) and (v) Neuro-hormonal control of maternal behaviour. In general, studies of maternal and neonatal behavior of sheep contribute to development of management practices, resulting to decreased neonatal mortality, increase of meat production and improvement of animal health and welfare. They also confirm the importance of animal ethology as a veterinary speciality.

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