Lying behaviour of housed and outdoor-managed pregnant sheep

Lying behaviour has been shown to be highly valuable in supporting the productivity and welfare of cattle. The aim this experiment was investigate effect biological physical factors on lying sheep. Ninety-six Bluefaced Leicester x Welsh Mountain crossbred (Mule) ewes managed lamb indoors, 80 (WM) at grass were used for study. Acceleration values collected two flocks from accelerometers fitted vertically outside rear right leg set record 1-min intervals least 14 d prior parturition. Ewes simultaneously recorded using video equipment identify lambing verify predictions (total time, mean bout duration total number bouts) data 10 randomly selected indoor flock day -10 lambing. Linear regression evaluate predicted behaviours with footage. Predictions time (R2 ≥ 0.99; P > 0.05 slope = 1, intercept 0), 0) bouts 0.98; strongly associated footage (P < 0.001) demonstrating that a sampling interval provides reliable estimates ewe behaviours. Measures (mean daily calculated all averages taken across days -10, -9 -8 test effects independent variables (pregnancy scan result (single- or twin-bearing), age, BCS, ease, sex birth weight) each measure lying. Significant associations 0.05) found between measures pregnancy result, singleton lambs twin weight housed, Mule ewes. Only age significantly WM grass. This information could help guide further research sheep management purposes (e.g., optimise stocking densities pregnant ewes). Further work should also consider evaluating as proxies imminent