Research on physical and social environment for sheep

Knut Eil Bøe (translation Ane Skjelfjord)

In Norway, we tend to keep our sheep indoors during the winter, in small pens with stretch metal or slatted floors. PhD student Grete H.M. Jørgensen’s research shows that, generally, sheep prefer to have more space and that the distance between individuals is actually smaller among light sheep breeds. These results are important both from a practical and a theoretical viewpoint

Grete Helen Meisfjord Jørgensen Photo: Janne Brodin

On Friday December 3rd 2010, PhD student Grete H.M. Jørgensen defended her PhD thesis at the Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences and Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

Results from extensive behavioural studies showed that the distance between individuals was 2.2 m while the sheep were lying down and 2.7 m while they were feeding. Individuals of a heavy sheep breed (Nor-X) kept more distance from each other than lighter breed sheep (Spælsau – Spæl Sheep). In large groups (36 animals) there were only small differences in feeding and resting time as compared to small groups (9 animals), but animals in large groups were less synchronous in their behaviour, which entailed fewer feeding queues.

In a three herd experiment using raised resting sections in slatted floor pens, the sheep used the raised sections for resting provided the area was long enough.

New space requirements for ecological farming
According to a EU-directive on ecological farming, sheep must have a total area of 1.50 m2 per animal, and that a minimum of 0.75 m2 of this must be a firm floor resting area, but for the time being, Norwegian authorities have asked for an exception from this requirement.

Most Norwegian sheep herds are kept in pens with a total area of <1.00 m2 per animal and without a firm floor resting area. An experiment where the area was increased by offering the sheep an outdoor space showed that the animals used this extensively, and that weather conditions affected its use very little. This indicates that a sheep barn can be extended relatively easily, without great expense.

Grete H.M. Jørgensen is 30 years old. She grew up in the municipality of Leirfjord on the Helgeland coast. She took her Master’s degree in animal science at UMB in 2005.

Title of the PhD thesis: Physical and social environment for sheep – Effects on spacing behaviour, social interactions and activity budgets in housed ewes

Title of the trial lecture: Impact of domestication on social behaviour in farm animals

Updated: 25.02.11
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