Initial experiments with an electronic feeding station for ewes

Abstract

Through four different experiments we investigated the effect of design of an electronic feeding station (EFS) and management factors on the behaviour of ewes. Eighty-nine percent of the ewes had completed their first visit to the EFS within the first six hours, but a major proportion of all rewarded visits were interrupted by displacements. The entrance-exit gate eliminated displacements, but also discouraged some ewes from entering the EFS. Neither reduced access to roughage nor enclosing the ewes around the feeding station increased the proportion of ewes visiting the EFS. Of the different training methods investigated the method of gently pushing the animals into the EFS was successful for older ewes. For young ewes, spreading small amounts of concentrates inside the EFS worked better. In conclusion, sheep can learn to use an EFS for obtaining concentrates, but an entrance – exit gate is essential to protect the feeding ewe.