Effect of floor space allowance on feeding, lying, and social behaviour of post-weaned indigenous lambs

ANJALI  ARYA; M M  TRIVEDI; R J  MODI; P M  LUNAGARIYA; Y G  PATEL

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i7.162437

Authors

ANJALI ARYA College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001 (Gujarat), India
M M TRIVEDI College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001 (Gujarat), India
R J MODI College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001 (Gujarat), India
P M LUNAGARIYA College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001 (Gujarat), India
Y G PATEL College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001 (Gujarat), India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i7.162437

Keywords:

Aggressive behavior, Activity patterns, Indigenous lambs and space allowances

Abstract

The present study was aimed 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. There were significant differences in the time spent lying inside and outside the shed between treatments and periods. 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 two groups. Additionally, T₁ exhibited 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). 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 underscored 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. The results highlighted the importance of optimal floor space management in promoting desirable behavioral outcomes and overall welfare in post-weaned lamb populations.

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