Effect of weaning and feed provision times on the performance and several behavioural traits of post-weaning lambs.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess if weaning time (morning or evening) and feed provision (immediate or 4h delayed) can influence growth performance and expression of juvenile lamb behaviour immediately after and at the age of 50-125days old. Forty lambs were randomly assigned to 4 groups: E1 (evening + immediate), E2 (evening + delayed), M1 (morning + immediate) and M2 (morning + delayed). All lambs were especially active during the first hour after weaning. However, their activity within the first 24h after weaning was mainly affected by their circadian rhythms, since lambs were more active during the day compared to night. On the other hand, no effect of alfalfa hay provision on lamb activity during these first 24h was observed. At the age of 50-125days old, body weight was measured, and an isolation and flight distance test was implemented. There were no significant differences among lambs in body weight, number of jumps and heart rates assessed during isolation test and flight distance. However, the number of vocalizations was lower (65-110th day, P < 0.05) for the E2 compared to E1 lambs. Breed also slightly affected (95th day, P < 0.05) the average heart rate of lambs, with greater values for Karagouniko compared to Chios lambs. It is concluded that no discernible effects of weaning or feeding time were observed on growth performance and the display of stress-induced behavioural components of juvenile lambs till the age of 125days old.