Effect of gentle physical contact on behavioural indicators in sheep

Sokolowski, J.S.; Janicka, K.; Zięba, G.; Junkuszew, Andrzej; Rozempolska-Rucińska, Iwona

doi:10.1016/j.animal.2023.100924

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The lambs were kept with mothers throughout the entire experiment period in a separated treatment pen in the sheepfold. Forty unweaned female lambs (three weeks old; n = 20 BCP, n = 20 SW) were included in the gentle stroking treatment [ 8 ] and randomly allocated to one of two groups: the control groups (C) (no massage; n = 10 lambs of the BCP line, n = 10 Świniarka breed lambs) and the experimental groups (E) (massage; n = 10 lambs of the BCP line, n = 10 Świniarka breed lambs). All the lambs came from a single pregnancy from a multiparous ewe.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A detailed description of the gentle touch procedure in lambs can be seen in Sokołowski et al [ 8 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As highlighted by Chaumont et al [ 6 ], the creation of a positive relationship with sheep, which exhibit a particularly high level of fear of unfamiliar humans, may be quite challenging. Gentle interactions between humans and animals trigger positive behavioral responses [ 7 , 8 ] but do not always prove effective in some cases [ 3 ]. The perception of tactile sensations is influenced by such factors as force/power [ 9 ], mode of touch [ 3 ] and body region [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Tactile contact is an important part of the life of social species, as it exerts an effect on behavioral and physiological indices [ 3 ]. Sokołowski et al [ 8 ] demonstrated that gentle physical contact plays a significant role in modeling the behavioral response in lambs from both production and primitive breeds. Gentle physical contact is associated with release of oxytocin [ 10 ], which has calming [ 11 ] and analgesic [ 12 ] effects and is responsible for the establishment of bonds and regulation of social behavior [ 10 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In many cases, the lambs exhibited behavioral responses that could be described as “relaxation”. During the massage, they were lying calmly on the laps of the zoophysiotherapists with their eyelids closed and made no attempts to escape [ 8 ]. Since animals lack verbal expression, behavioral and physiological criteria being part of body language are the only means available to determine whether they perceive a given situation as emotionally salient information [ 26 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physiological Effect of Gentle Stroking in Lambs

Janicka,

Masier,

Nazar

et al. 2024

Animals

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The aim of the study was to determine changes in physiological indicators in lambs subjected to gentle stroking. The study included 40 three-week-old lambs (20 females of the synthetic prolific-meat (BCP) line and 20 females of the Świniarka (SW) breed). The animals were assigned to two control groups (n = 20) and two experimental groups (n = 20). Lambs from the experimental groups received treatment. Analyses consisted of determining the following parameters: heart rate (HR), saturation (S) and biochemical analysis. In the groups of sheep subjected to gentle massage, the analyses revealed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol, CAT, GST, GPx, among others, and a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, SOD, TAC, uric acid and Na+. At the same time, indicators of reduced stress levels were revealed, i.e., a significant increase in glycogen levels and a significant decrease in glucose and HR values. These results suggest that the introduction of gentle touch can induce positive states in lambs, and that the stress response may be transient and adaptive. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these interactions can be a source of stress, even if the behavioral response does not necessarily indicate stress.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A detailed description of the gentle touch procedure in lambs can be seen in Sokołowski et al [ 8 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Physiological Effect of Gentle Stroking in Lambs

Janicka,

Masier,

Nazar

et al. 2024

Animals

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Do sheep (Ovis aries) discriminate human emotional odors?

Larrigaldie,

Damon,

Mousqué

et al. 2024

Anim Cogn

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While sheep can detect and discriminate human emotions through visual and vocal cues, their reaction to human body odors remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether sheep (Ovis aries) can detect human odors, olfactorily discriminate stressed from non-stressed individuals, and behave accordingly based on the emotional valence of the odors. Axillary secretions from 34 students were collected following an oral examination (stress odor) or a regular class (non-stress odor). Fourteen female and 15 male lambs were then exposed to these odors through a habituation-dishabituation procedure. The habituation stimulus was presented four times for one minute, followed by the dishabituation stimulus presented once for one minute. Behavioral variables included spatiality relative to target odors, approach/withdrawal, ear positioning, sniffing, ingestion, and vocalization. Both female and male lambs more often positioned their ears backwards/forwards, and asymmetrically when exposed to the dishabituation stimulus, but regardless of their stress or non-stress value. They also changed their approach behavior when exposed to the dishabituation stimuli. Lambs displayed some behavioral signs of discrimination between the habituation and dishabituation odors, but regardless of their relation to stress or non-stress of human donors. In sum, this exploratory study suggests that young sheep respond negatively to the odor of unfamiliar humans, without showing any specific emotional contagion related to the stress odor. This exploratory study suggests young ovines can detect human body odor, a further step toward understanding the human-sheep relationship.

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