Behavioural development in the neonatal lamb: effect of maternal and birth-related factors

摘要: The survival of the neonate relies on integrated expression appropriate behaviours from both mother and young. In precocious species, like sheep, speed with which lamb stands seeks udder is related to survival. this study effects birth difficulty, weight, ewe loss or gain in backfat conception delivery, parity, litter size, sex neonatal behavioural development were investigated over 500 lambs two breeds (Scottish Blackface Suffolk). Lambs that required assistance be delivered significantly slower perform all than unassisted (P<0.001), less active first 3 days after delivery (P<0.05). There no birthweight not accounted for by increased likelihood requiring heavier weight lambs. Ewes mobilised body fat during their pregnancy produced stood sucked quickly more life. born parity ewes stand suck experienced (P<0.001). was an improvement time taken stand, seek each increase parity. Litter size had additional retarding influence behaviour multiple-born could birthweight. Suffolk breed male female lambs, effect seen These data demonstrate require at birth, even if they survive process, lose a lot condition ewes, triplet and, least some breeds, are progress through sequence behaviours. are, therefore, greater risk surviving weaning.