Relationship between different livestock managements and stress response in dairy ewes
The gradual diffusion of intensive and semi-intensive production systems, especially in dairy sheep breeds, has led to the growing concern of consumers about the life conditions of farmed animals. Space allowance and structures of sheep houses are described as the main potential sources of discom...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-01-01
|
| Series: | Archives Animal Breeding |
| Online Access: | https://www.arch-anim-breed.net/61/37/2018/aab-61-37-2018.pdf |
| Summary: | The gradual diffusion of intensive and semi-intensive production systems,
especially in dairy sheep breeds, has led to the growing concern of consumers
about the life conditions of farmed animals. Space allowance and structures
of sheep houses are described as the main potential sources of discomfort
for housed flocks, together with inappropriate milking procedures and
human–animal interactions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
whether the structure relative to milking room could represent a stressor in
Sarda dairy ewes. Animals were divided into two groups according to their
farm of origin. Group A (<i>n</i> = 40) was from a farm whose milking room
was an old warehouse with a waiting area limited and located outdoors and at
a different level with respect to the milking room. The passageway of the entrance in
the milking room was narrow and perpendicular to the milking positioning so
the animal must bend 90° to enter in the room. Group B
(<i>n</i> = 40) was from a farm whose milking room was wide and modern
with a large waiting area located at the same level. From all animals blood
samples were collected at <i>T</i><sub>0</sub>
(2 h before milking procedure at 06:00), at <i>T</i><sub>1</sub> (immediately after the animals entered the milking room,
about 08:00) and at <i>T</i><sub>2</sub> (after milking procedure). In addition plasma cortisol and
glucose values were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed significant
effect of milking room (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and of sampling time (<i>P</i> < 0.05) on cortisol and glucose levels. The results obtained in the present
study suggest that, in addition to milking, the characteristics of the room
where this procedure occurs represent stressful stimuli that could influence
negatively the productivity and welfare of dairy ewes. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0003-9438 2363-9822 |