Effects of handling and transportation on the heart rate and behaviour of sheep (1990)

Baldock, N. M., Sibly, R. M.

Abstract

Sheep show a marked increase in heart rate when isolated from other sheep. When a sheep was separated from other sheep by a fence, she stayed calm as long as she could see her companions. However, if the fence was solid, the isolated sheep showed typical signs of fear and her heart rate increased dramatically. The situation was more stressful for the animal than handling by a human.