Association networks and social temporal dynamics in ewes and lambs

Sheep are highly social domesticated animals that evolved to live in large and structured groups. As other group-living species, individuals differ the level of association they have with others, these associations often result lasting stable bonds. However, there substantial gaps our knowledge temporal dynamics sheep, how their bonds vary relation environmental changes. Here, we aimed assess relationships between ewes lambs, collecting dyadic data 41 55 lambs through use proximity loggers on a commercial farm. We computed indices each pair estimate proportion time any two associated. first generated an aggregated network whole 13-day observation period, compared values different types dyads (i.e., lamb-mother, lamb-ewe non-mother, littermates, non-littermates, ewe-ewe). contact networks daily scale compare ego-networks obtained successive windows determine were over time. would be expected, highest found formed by dams (0.17 ± 0.11) same litter (0.32 0.09). Both single-born twin-born showed high (single-born: 0.24 0.11; twin-born: 0.1 0.05), although had stronger littermates those mothers (p-value < 0.001). At level, flock exhibited periods stability at beginning end study period. instability occurred one-two days after management interventions, such as changes field size. These transitory driven patterns single born lambs. In contrast, remained relatively stable, supported strong levels twins. Thus, was not global one, but some parts while others underwent important Our represents step track within ewe-lamb group using tags advances understanding organisation sheep. highlight importance detecting consequence perturbations order identify presence rearrangements.