GPS observation of shelter utilisation by Merino ewes

Animal Production Science - Tập 51 Số 8 - Trang 724 - 2011
Donnalee Taylor1,2, Derek Schneider1, Wendy Brown2, Ian Price3, Mark Trotter1, David Lamb1, Geoffrey Hinch1,2
1Precision Agriculture Research Group, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351 Australia
2School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
3School of Cognitive, Behavioural and Social Sciences – Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia

Tóm tắt

The present study examined how shelter availability, altitude and temperature influence paddock utilisation by pregnant and lambing Merino ewes. Global positioning systems (GPS) attached to collars allowed continuous tracking of ewes’ positions within two paddocks, and environmental conditions were also monitored throughout this time using temperature loggers. Animal tracking devices (UNEtracker GPS collars) were used in the spring (September–November) of 2008 (51 days) and 2009 (43 days), 14 days post-shearing, to monitor movement of pregnant grazing fine-wool Merino ewes (5 per paddock per year). The data were used to examine sheep use of lone trees, interior shelter, perimeter shelter and remainder of the paddock during three distinct diurnal activity periods, namely night camping, morning grazing and afternoon grazing. Regular use of shelter was consistently recorded in the two experimental years and in both paddocks. The ewes consistently used sheltered areas and both the leeward and windward sides of shelter, particularly during high sheep chill days. The sheep used the sheltered areas significantly more often than they used the remainder of the paddock, which was devoid of shelter except for lone trees. Night camping did not occur at the highest altitude, but predominantly where shelter was also located. The present study has demonstrated the consistent use of shelter by sheep. The shelter-seeking behaviour of the ewes a month post-shearing suggests that these animals are more sensitive to weather conditions than has been previously reported.

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Animal Production Science

Tập 51 Số 8

724

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