Animal behaviour in the sub-tropics. II. Grazing behaviour of sheep.

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 5 consecutive days in Aug. 1961 under conditions simulating those of Tahreer Province, a newly reclaimed desert area in Egypt. Four groups of 30 ewes in early pregnancy were studied. They represented the folio wing breeds: Ossimi [Ausimi] (indigenous), Texel (imported from Holland), Caucasian Merino (imported from Russia), and Fleisch [Mutton] Merino (imported from Germany). The Ausimis covered the distance of 5 km. to the pasture in the shortest tune and showed no signs of fatigue until after reaching the pasture; their respiration rate did not start to accelerate until they had been made to walk 10 km. The imported breeds showed an increase in respiration rate much earlier, and during the 5th km. half of the imported ewes were panting and showing obvious signs of stress. The mucous membranes of the Texel were very sensitive to dust, and the ewes began coughing after walking for a short time in the sand. Various breed differences in grazing behaviour were also observed. Compared with the foreign breeds, Ausimi ewes were not heavy grazers, and were not fastidious about the plant material on which they grazed. They spent more time grazing in the sun than did ewes of the other breeds. Compared with the other breeds, the Mutton Merino grazed for the shortest tune in the sun and the longest time in the shade, and spent most time ruminating; the Ausimis spent the shortest time in rumination. [For Pt. I see A.B.A., 33, No. 3410. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)