Behavioral, adrenal, immune, and productive responses of lactating ewes to regrouping and relocation (2001)

Sevi, A., Taibi, L., Albenzio, M. et al.

Abstract

Regrouping and relocation are common practices for intensively managed ewes and are performed to obtain uniform groups in terms of milk yield. Results suggest that group member exchange may cause increased aggression and an altered immune response in sheep. An additional effect of relocation was observed on cell-mediated immunity. Mixing and moving resulted in short-term effects on production traits and had a minor impact on udder health in the lactating ewe. .. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the physiological functions of ewes subjected to group exchange can be affected by hierarchical order.