scholarly journals Behaviour of twin- and triplet-born lambs and their dam 3 to 18 hours after birth is not a useful predictor of lamb survival to weaning

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 1848-1857
Author(s):  
G. V. Gronqvist ◽  
R. E. Hickson ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
S. T. Morris ◽  
K. J. Stafford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Contact Zone ◽  
Recognition Test ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Behaviour Score ◽  
Walking Time

Objective: An experiment was designed to determine if behaviour traits expressed by twinand triplet-bearing lambs and their dams at 3 to 18 hours of age (after the immediate ewelamb bonding had occurred) were associated with lamb survival to weaning.Methods: The behaviour of twin and triplet lambs and their dams was assessed in the paddock at 3 to 18 hours after birth. Observations were made of the number of high- and low-pitched bleats, time to stand, make contact with dam, suck from dam and follow dam were recorded for each lamb. The maternal behaviour score of each dam was assessed. A random sub-sample of lambs were assessed during a maternal-recognition test at 12 or 24 hours of age. Traits included time spent standing, sitting, walking, time taken to reach the ewes and time spent with the ewes as well as the number of high- and low-pitched bleats emitted by the lamb.Results: In the paddock, for each additional second required for twin-born lambs to follow their dam, lambs were 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000 to 1.008) times more likely to survive to weaning (p<0.05). The opposite relationship, however, was seen in triplet lambs. For each additional second required for triplet-born lambs to follow their dam, lambs were 0.996 (95% CI 0.993 to 0.999) times as likely to survive to weaning (p<0.05). During the maternal recognition test, twin-born lambs were 0.989 (95% CI 0.979 to 1.000) times as likely to survive to weaning for every additional second they took to reach the contact zone (p<0.05). Similarly, triplet-born lambs were 0.994 (95% CI 0.989 to 0.999) as likely to survive for every additional second they took to reach their dam (p<0.05).Conclusion: All ewe behaviours and the majority of lamb paddock and test behaviours were not associated with the survival of twin- or triplet-born lambs and, therefore, are of little use as indicators of lamb survival to weaning.

Genetics of maternal behaviour in Scottish Blackface sheep under field conditions: factors affecting maternal behaviour scores and their influence on lamb live weights and survival

2000 ◽  
Vol 2000 ◽  
pp. 65-65
Author(s):  
N. R. Lambe ◽  
J. Conington ◽  
S. C. Bishop ◽  
A. Waterhouse ◽  
G. Simm
Keyword(s):  
Field Conditions ◽  
Flight Distance ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Point Scale ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Behaviour Score ◽  
First Time

Behavioural studies of sheep have shown that poor maternal behaviour by the ewe immediately postparturition can lead to reduced lamb survival and ewe production (O'Connor et al., 1985). Under field conditions, behaviour may be quantified by the maternal behaviour score (MBS) - a six-point scale assessing ewe flight distance when lambs(s) are handled for the first time, within 24 hours of birth (adapted from O'Connor et al., 1985). Greater scores are awarded to ewes remaining closer to their lamb(s). The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the factors affecting MBS in Scottish Blackface ewes; (2) to determine if MBS affects the average weight of lambs reared or the number of lambs dying before weaning; (3) to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for MBS and correlations between MBS and lamb performance.

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.

Genetic evaluation of maternal behaviour and temperament in Australian sheep

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 767 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Brown ◽  
N. M. Fogarty ◽  
C. L. Iker ◽  
D. M. Ferguson ◽  
D. Blache ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Evaluation ◽  
Pedigree Information ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Combined Analysis ◽  
Heritability Estimates ◽  
Behaviour Score

The temperament of ewes and maternal behaviour at lambing has been implicated as contributing factors to lamb survival. Some 14 054 records of maternal behaviour score (MBS, 1 = good, 5 = poor) were collected at lamb tagging from 32 breeds of sheep over several years in a variety of environments. Records for two objectively scored temperament traits, flight time from a weighing crate (FT) and agitation score in an isolation box test (IBT) were available on 19 151 and 17 159 animals, respectively. These data were pooled from three sources, which included research and commercial ram breeding flocks. The combined data were also split into three subsets based on breed groups (Merino, Maternal and Terminal) for analyses. Records of weights and number of lambs weaned (NLW), as well as pedigree information was available from the national genetic evaluation database. The heritability estimates from the combined analyses were 0.20 ± 0.02 for MBS, 0.18 ± 0.02 for FT and 0.26 ± 0.02 for IBT, with a repeatability of 0.24 ± 0.01 for MBS. There were some small differences between the breed groups in the heritability estimates. The genetic correlations between FT and MBS were negative (favourable) and consistent across the datasets (–0.47 ± 0.12, combined analysis). The genetic correlations between IBT and MBS were positive (favourable) but not significant (0.12 ± 0.11, combined analysis). The genetic correlations between IBT and FT were also favourable, but small and generally not significant. There were small favourable genetic correlations between MBS and various bodyweights (–0.17 ± 0.07, yearling) and NLW (–0.25 ± 0.07). However, there were no significant genetic relationships between the temperament and production traits. The moderate heritability and repeatability of MBS indicate maternal behaviour could be improved by selection, and that it could be a useful additional trait in breeding programs for improved reproduction.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Post parturient neonatal behaviour and their relationship with maternal behaviour score, parity and sex in Surti buffaloes

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 360-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piyush Dubey ◽  
Rana Ranjeet Singh ◽  
Sandhya S. Choudhary ◽  
Kuldeep K. Verma ◽  
Amit Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Behaviour Score

Using computerised tomography to assess pelvic dimensions linked to dystocia and maternal behaviour score in Scottish-Blackface ewes

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 ◽  
pp. 122-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Bilbe ◽  
J. Conington ◽  
K. McLean ◽  
N. Lambe ◽  
L. Bünger
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Computerised Tomography ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Behaviour Score

Recent CAP reforms for the sheep sector are likely to partially shift the emphasis from intensive to lower input, ‘easy care’ husbandry systems. The ability of sheep to lamb unaided would be crucial to the success of these systems. Dystocia is the most common cause of parturient lamb mortality, and pelvic dimensions are important factors in causing dystocia in ewes (Quinlivan, 1971). This study uses pelvimetry, based on both external and in vivo measures obtained by computed tomography (CT), to undertake preliminary studies on the associations among the incidence of dystocia, and other factors including maternal behaviour score (MBS) (Lambe et al., 2001).

Relationship between lamb vigour and ewe behaviour at parturition

1992 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. O'Connor ◽  
A. B. Lawrence
Keyword(s):  
Practical Importance ◽  
Maternal Behaviour ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
General Activity ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Few Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Grooming Behaviour

AbstractMaternal behaviour and lamb vigour are both considered major variables affecting lamb survival, but there are few data to describe their relative importance. To investigate the relationship between lamb vigour and maternal behaviour this study compared the behaviour of pure Scottish Blackface lambs with Mule (Bluefaced Leicester ♀. × Scottish Blackface ♂) lambs, all born indoors. Anecdotal accounts suggested a significant reduction in lamb vigour in Mule lambs, a matter also of significant practical importance given the current incease in Mule numbers. Observations on the grooming behaviour of 32 single or twin-bearing ewes, and on the general activity and udder-seeking behaviour of their lambs were made at parturition. In this study, neither ewe grooming behaviour nor general lamb activity were directly related to lamb sucking success. It was shown that, although Mule lambs had high birth weights and stood as quickly as Blackface lambs, they showed significantly fewer sucking attempts (P < 0·01) and took longer to suck successfully (28 min for Blackface v. 55 min for Mules). The inability of Mule lambs to suck successfully was due to their failure to show proper udder-directed behaviour. These results indicate the importance of considering the behaviour of both ewes and lambs as it would seem that it is not ‘poor’ maternal behaviour but inappropriate lamb behaviour that is a limiting factor in lamb survival in the Mule breed.

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