Effects of differential handling on the behaviour of domestic ewes ( Ovis aries)

Mateo, J.M., Estep, D.Q. and McCann, J.S., 1991. Effects of differential handling on the behaviour of domestic ewes ( Ovis aries ). Appl. .,tnim. Behav. Sci., 32: 45-54. Thirty-three Suffolk and Suffolk × Hampshire ewe lambs raised under two different management systems were subjected to one of three handling regimens for 3 weeks. One group of 11 animals was exposed daily to gentle handling, while a second group of 11 was exposed daily to forced human handling. A third group of 10 animals received no handling. The animals were tested prior to handling training, just after training, and 3 weeks after the last training period on four standardized tests designed to simulate typical management practices. These included a test of approachability to the handler, movement through a chute, halter-restraint in proximity to the handler and simulated shearing. Rcsults showed significant effects for gentle handling and for the source of the sheep in measures of approachability, but no effects in the other tests. Thus briefgentle contacts with handlers can improve the approachability of sheep, but breed or prior experience can modulate these effects. I N T R O D U C T I O N It has long been acknowledged that certain management practices are aversive to farm animals. Many typical handling procedures used for sheep, such as dipping, shearing, or foot-trimming appear to be aversive. The animals quickly learn to avoid areas and people associated with such experiences. Hemsworth and Barnett ( 1987 ) stated that as fear responses serve to protect animals from aversive stimuli, behaviours such as avoidance and approach can be used as indices of aversion to a given situation. Fell and Shutt (1989) have tested the behavioural responses of sheep to the specific handler that had restrained it during surgery. These sheep maintained greater distances and dispersed less than control sheep who received similar handling but no ~Present address: Department of Psychology, Mason Hall, Universi ty of Michigan, Ann Arbor,