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The behaviour of male lambs transported by sea from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia
Black H, Matthews LR, Bremner KJ
New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 1, pp 16-23, Feb 1994
New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 1, pp 16-23, Feb 1994
Article class: Scientific Article
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Behaviour, Biosecurity, Disease surveillance, Import/export/trade, Mortality/morbidity, Transport
Animal Type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Publisher: Taylor and FrancisAbstract
The behaviour of two pens of mixed British breed male sheep transported by ship from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia was studied. One of the groups was carried above decks (n = 128) and one below decks (n = 116). Observations were conducted four to five times daily throughout the 24-day voyage. Over the whole voyage the most common activities were standing, lying and feeding. Overall, the animals adapted reasonably well to the shipboard environment, with most gaining weight. The mortality rate in the study pens averaged 2.5%, which was similar to that of the total shipment and average for this type of voyage. The behavioural measures appeared to provide sensitive indices of changes in the welfare of the sheep. An increase in lying activity, panting and drinking and a decrease in feeding during the latter part of the voyage were indicative of increasing heat stress. Plunging at the feed and water troughs led to loss of footing and increased the likelihood of smothering. This activity occurred after periods without feed or without water. Plunging also occurred when sheep moved towards the ventilators. Other factors associated with reduced well-being were the high stocking density which, combined with a wet faecal pad, limited movement towards feed or water and increased the likelihood of smothering.The whole of the literary matter of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal is copyright Taylor and Francis, Downloading this article signifies agreement with the terms and conditions of electronic access.