Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A014
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A014 (2022)
The influence of interspecific socialization on sheep behavior – a case study
Kamila Janicka1*, Jacek Sokołowski1
1Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: kamila.janicka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Sheep are highly gregarious and social animals that evolved as potential preys. Living in a group satisfies their behavioural needs and provides sense of security. Social interactions are particularly important for lambs that acquire abilities unnecessary to survive. The question arises, will a sheep raised outside the flock show species-specific behaviour, or will it change? The case of Jadwiga the Świniarka sheep, which was orphaned at birth, was analysed. First, attempts of convectional fostering method (other ewe) was taken. Since the foster mother didn’t accept an alien lamb, an alternative fostering method was used. For the first 3 months of its life, Jadwiga was raised by a dog and a human. During this time, the lamb was kept in a household. She had unlimited contact with previously mentioned heterospecifics. Daily routines included: play, grooming, hand and bowl feeding and walks on a leash. After this period, Jadwiga joined a flock of Świniarka sheep that were also socialized with the same human and dog, but were raised in a flock (n=9; aged from 2-10 years; all females). All of the animals were then kept in the combined indoor-pasture management system. The observations of their behavior were conducted over a period of 2 years. Foraging behaviour, relationship with the flock and the dog, and responses to unfamiliar human/object were analyzed. Observations have shown that despite the lack of contact with conspecifics in the first months of life, Jadwiga presented species-specific behaviour. However, it was found that orphaned lamb that were reared by the dog and the human presented decreased level of the fear. It was manifested mainly by changes in grazing behaviour (increase of locomotor activity, choice of foraging place, even potentially dangerous). In addition, interactions with the flock (keeping more distance from the flock), human and dog have changed. Jadwiga signaled her needs to the caregiver. Interestingly, in relation to the newly joined dog, Jadwiga showed behaviour typical for establishing hierarchy in the flock (head butts). The results prove the importance of the conditions that humans create for animals. An alternative environment, as in the case reported, had a positive impact on animal development and welfare.
How to cite
K. Janicka, J. Sokołowski, 2022. The influence of interspecific socialization on sheep behavior – a case study. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A014