A note on the effect of changes in flooring on the behaviour of housed rams

Abstract

This paper reports on the use of plastic mats by rams housed in pens with wire mesh floors and the motivational consequences of short-term removal of these mats. Six rams were monitored for 5 days before and after the introduction of mats. The mats were then removed for 24 h. There was a peak in the lying rate of rams on the first day the mats were returned. This post-inhibitory rebound may reflect a rise in internal motivation to lie down during the period of prevention. Behaviours that exhibit this pattern of motivation are generally considered functional, and it has been argued that their prevention may compromise welfare. Therefore this report supports the use of appropriately designed plastic mats in housed rams that would otherwise be required to lie on wire mesh.