Maternal behaviour and lamb survival: from neuroendocrinology to practical application *

摘要: Parental care promotes offspring survival and, for livestock species, this is provided solely by the mother. Maternal behaviour in sheep has been exceptionally well-studied compared with other species and many of underpinning biological processes leading to expression maternal are known. In review current state play regard biology will be reviewed, its application provide practical solutions reduce lamb mortality considered. For elicited at birth ewe requires elevated circulating oestradiol late gestation, which stimulates oxytocin receptors both peripheral central areas (particularly hypothalamic limbic brain). At stretching vaginocervical canal elicits a spinal reflex triggers release primarily from neurones within paraventricular nucleus hypothalamus. Oxytocin causes an increase neurotransmitters noradrenaline, acetylcholine, glutamate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) olfactory bulb, brain regions important behaviour. Finally, sensory cues lamb, particular amniotic fluids surrounding it, lead behaviours (licking, low-pitched bleats, acceptance udder suckling). This allows two facets ewe: nurturance young selectivity, whereby specific memory ewes own formed restricted lamb. Variation demonstrated primiparous multiparous, different genotypes, undernutrition, stress pregnancy, following difficult delivery, may occur variation temperament. An understanding importance timing various events pregnancy during parturition, as well factors that can disrupt these events, help design management activities minimise risks successful onset Management practices work most ensuring expressed, so improving welfare profitability farm.