Hair Cortisol as a Measure of Chronic Stress in Ewes Grazing Either Hardwood Silvopastures or Open Pastures

Hair cortisol is a relatively non-invasive and reliable measure of chronic stress, but it has received limited use, especially in pasture systems. A two-year study was carried out to compare behavioral physiological (intravaginal temperature, hair, blood cortisol) responses ewes (Ovis aries) that grazed black walnut (Juglans nigra) silvopasture (BSP), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) (HSP), or open pastures (OP) treatments. Ewe weights intravaginal temperatures were recorded once for every 3-week interval. Plasma hair concentrations determined by ELISA. Trail cameras detected animal behavior. average daily gain greater HSP compared with OP (p = 0.0456) did not differ BSP 0.4686) across both years. Ewes on had higher < 0.0001) than treatments summers. ? 0.4 °C ? 0.03) during portions the afternoon managed spent 500–700% more time standing 125–150% less lying down measures could be an effective technique determining long-term stress grazing animals.