Is the ram that is more receptive to brushing, less reactive to electroejaculation?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between how rams respond to brushing and electroejaculation. The response to brushing and electroejaculation was recorded in twelve rams previously habituated to both handlings. The time during which the ears were in the back position, the number of changes in ear position, and the time spent eating during brushing were positively related to the duration of electroejaculation (S = 75, P = 0.03; S = 81, P = 0.04, and S = 118, P = 0.05, respectively). The time during which the ears were in the back position and the time drinking during brushing were positively related to the change in rectal temperature during electroejaculation (S = 58, P = 0.01 and S = 98, P = 0.02, respectively). The number of times that the ram sniffed the brusher was negatively related to the change in rectal temperature during electroejaculation (S = 454, P = 0.04). The time spent eating while brushed was negatively related to the change in heart rate during electroejaculation (S = 460, P = 0.04). Finally, the time spent drinking water during brushing tended to be positively related to the number of vocalizations during electroejaculation (S = 134, P = 0.08). Overall, it was concluded that there is not a clear relationship between the individual response of rams to a pleasurable stimulus as brushing and an aversive handling as electroejaculation. This reinforces that the individual characteristics should be deeply understood to develop effective strategies to improve animal welfare in farm practices.