A novel protocol to measure startle magnitude in sheep

摘要: Abstract Temperament is a trait of interest as it impacts ease handling, production and reactivity to stressful situations. Excessive behavioural reactivity, an aspect temperament, may lead reduced welfare stockperson safety. Current tests involve isolating the subject can be difficult differentiate between responses. We therefore aimed develop startle test in sheep which quantified variability whilst addressing effects social isolation. The response consistent universal reaction sudden intense stimulation, however, magnitude highly variable modulated by affective state. In this study, 60 ewes were allocated into three groups: isolated; surrounded six life-sized pictures or; conspecifics penned on two sides (total six). Sheep tested over days sets 10 per treatment. confined 2.1 m × 1.2 area, with bowl feed at one end, for four minutes (min). Approximately 15 s after commenced eating, sec blast compressed air was delivered face. Tri-axial accelerometers, visual scoring, agitometer scores body temperature used assess pre- post-startle fear behaviours. pre-startle, isolated spent less time eating (p 0.22), however each measure positively correlated vigilant there significant increases return every unit increase measures independent use did not provide facilitation or buffering response. This shows promise utilise reduce any potential negative isolation during testing.