Maternal behaviour in domestic sheep (Ovis aries): constancy and change with maternal experience.

摘要: Individual differences in the way ewes behave towards their lambs may help to identify sources of variation maternal care. In this study we investigated how pattern behaviour shown by an individual animal changed across parities domestic sheep. The animals (Scottish Blackface and Suffolk sheep), first 2 hours after lambing, was compared when lambing as primiparous multiparous ewes. More rejecting behaviours (e.g. withdrawal, aggression, lack co-operation with lamb sucking attempts) were expressed parity than subsequent parities. Behaviours associated affiliation bonding grooming attention) not, however, significantly influenced within Principal Components Analysis carried out on behavioural data from common studies primates, both clustered two main axes or Factors, labelled 'maternal rejection' care/warmth'. However, ewes, a third Factor, 'aggression', found whereas aggressive loaded same dimension rejection'. Behavioural consistency correlating individuals. There significant correlation between scores received for 'care/warmth' 'rejection' dimensions behaviour. Our suggest that, sheep, are segregated along twin 'care/warmth'. Although frequency rejection declined experience, consistent expression care parities, suggesting that ewe is reasonably predictive her pregnancies.