Thermography as a Non-Invasive Measure of Stress and Fear of Humans in Sheep

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe ability to non-invasively measure fear is an essential component of animal welfare assessment. Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to obtain images from five Sarda breed ewes during restraint and immediately after two voluntary animal approach (VAA) tests. Our preliminary results suggest that IRT, combined with behavioral data, is a non-invasive technique that can be useful to assess stress and infer about negative emotions in sheep.AbstractNo data have been published on the use of infrared thermography (IRT) to evaluate sheep emotions. We assessed whether this technique can be used as a non-invasive measure of negative emotions. Two voluntary animal approach (VAA) tests were conducted (and filmed) on five ewes before and after being restrained. The restraining process was performed by a handler for five minutes. IRT was used during restraint and the VAA tests. The lacrimal caruncle temperature was significantly higher during restraint and in the VAA test after the restraint compared with the VAA test before the restraint (Wilcoxon’s test; p = 0.04). The latency period until first contact was longer in the second VAA test (132 s) than in the first one (60 s). Our preliminary results suggest that IRT, combined with behavioral data, is a non-invasive technique that can be useful to assess stress and infer about negative emotions in sheep.

Reliability of fNIRS for noninvasive monitoring of brain function and emotion in sheep

“…Before fNIRS recordings, sheep underwent a training period to minimize stress possibly associated with the tasks performance and behavioral reactions that could hamper the quality of fNIRS data acquisition 39 . In particular, the sheep were habituated to be separated in small groups of animals of the same flock, to be handled by humans and to wear fake fNIRS devices (including cap, cables and chest straps).…”

Preliminary Evaluation of Sustained-release Compared with Conventional Formulations of Meloxicam in Sheep (Ovis aries)

“…2,32 These stressors might confound study results by influencing hemodynamic parameters and the endocrine response. 2,5,12 However, when combined with adaptation to gentle handling techniques, the use of sustained-release (SR) products may serve as valuable refinements to lessen the effects of stress and simultaneously ensure adequate analgesia. An SR formulation that is effective in maintaining a stable, therapeutic level over an extended period of time would prove beneficial in limiting the need for repeated restraint, separation from counterparts, and numerous injection events in a given animal.…”

Analysis of Hindgut Microbiome of Sheep and Effect of Different Husbandry Conditions

“…On the other hand, our findings might indicate that control animals shared the same level of stress as isolated animals. Indeed, the interaction between the animal and the stockman with repeated handling and moving, the milking management, and the changes in social conditions are potential stress factors for housed sheep [ 67 ]. This leads to considering encouragement to better adapt the farm environment to the sheep by improving management practices and housing conditions, also providing higher environment enrichment.…”