Maternal and neonatal behaviors of Ouled Djellal sheep breed and their effects on production parameters

Abstract

Our study evaluated maternal and neonatal behaviors of the Algerian Ouled Djellal native sheep breed, their effects on growth and mortality of lambs from birth to weaning, and the influence of biotic factors related to mother or lamb on variation of their behaviors. Maternal behavior was scored (MBS) for 200 ewes on the day of lambing on a 5-points scale, based on the distance a ewe retreats from her lambs when lambs were handled, while neonatal behavior (NLB) was recorded for 52 lambs. The MBS for Ouled Djellal ewes indicated that 31.5% were good and 44% were excellent mothers. Multiparous ewes showed improved MBS compared to primiparous (P<0.05), and single born lambs were quicker to stand (P<0.05), to reach the udder (P<0.05) and to suckle (P<0.01) than twins, whereas both MBS and neonatal behaviors were not related to ewes age or sex of lamb. Interestingly, lamb birth weight was positively correlated to MBS (r=0.21, P<0.01) and negatively correlated to all neonatal behaviors (r=−0.70, P<0.01). Lamb weight and mortality were recorded through weaning (90 days of age). Lamb growth was not related to MBS, while there was a negative correlation between lamb growth until weaning age and the time spent by lambs immediately following birth to stand, to locate the udder and to suckle (P<0.01). Lamb mortality rates between birth and weaning decreased with an increase in MBS (P<0.01). Likewise, lamb mortality to weaning was higher among lambs who were slow to stand, to reach the udder or to suckle (P<0.01). Scoring maternal and lamb behaviors can help formulate appropriate management programs to improve lamb growth and survival rates of Ouled Djellal breed.