The behaviour of gestating dairy ewes under different space allowances

摘要: Abstract Provision of adequate housing is essential to assure the welfare farm animals. One relevant aspect space allowance, due potential consequences on behaviour and The objective this study was determine effect allowance implications dairy ewes during gestation. With purpose, 54 pregnant were randomly allocated groups 6 with allowances 1, 2, or 3m 2 /ewe (three replicates per treatment). Behaviour observed between gestation weeks 9 19. Data collection included focal observations (4 periods consecutive weeks, 3 days/week) scan samplings (twice/week 11 weeks). effects point gestation, their interaction percentage time, frequency (focal observations) occurrence (scan samplings) behaviours determined a mixed model ANOVA, as repeated measure. In general, less activity indicated by reduced movement ( P compared /ewe. Occurrences negative, especially positive social interactions, also higher at 1m