IMPACT OF VARIOUS FLOOR SPACE ALLOWANCES ON THE BEHAVIOURAL ACTIVITIES OF POST-WEANED INDIGENOUS LAMBS
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Authors
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Dr. Anjali Arya
Kamdhenu University, Anand
Keywords:
Indigenous lambs, space allowances, activity patterns, aggressive behaviorAbstract
The primary objective of this study was to examine the influence of varying floor space allocations on the behavioral patterns of post-weaned indigenous lambs. The experimental groups denoted as T1, T2, and T3, were subjected to different floor space provisions: 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6 m2 per lamb within the covered area, and 1.6, 1.4, and 1.2 m2 per lamb within the open area, respectively. Each group comprised six animals, and the duration of the study spanned 210 days. In the behavioral study, lambs in treatment group T3 spent significantly more time at the manger (156.93±5.75 minutes/day) compared to T2 (141.52±5.17 minutes/day) and T1 (123.12±5.41 minutes/day). The average number of attempts at the water trough was significantly higher in T3 (10.24±0.27) compared to T1 (8.10±0.39) and T2 (8.83±0.44). T3 also showed significantly higher time spent standing inside the shed (164.07±1.79 minutes/day) compared to T1 (137.93±1.98 minutes/day) and T2 (147.40±1.89 minutes/day). Time spent standing outside the shed was significantly higher in T3 compared to other groups. Additionally, T1 exhibited the highest time spent lying inside the shed (687.45±3.32 minutes/day), followed by T2 (662.31±2.76 minutes/day) and T3 (644.83±3.18 minutes/day). There were significant differences in the time spent lying inside and outside the shed between treatments and periods. Lambs in T3 also showed significantly higher agonistic behavior time (65.71±2.10 minutes/day) compared to T1 (49.05±2.08 minutes/day) and T2 (60.93±2.06 minutes/day), with higher frequencies of pushing, butting, and resource displacement. Overall, treatment groups significantly influenced behavioral patterns (P≤0.05), with T3 exhibiting more aggressive behavior and altered activity patterns. Overall, the findings underscore the significant influence of floor space allowances on post-weaned lamb behavior. Treatment group T3 demonstrated altered activity patterns, with increased feeding and water consumption, elevated activity levels, and higher levels of aggressive behavior. These results highlight the importance of optimal floor space management in promoting desirable behavioral outcomes and overall welfare in post-weaned lamb populations.
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