Potential role of biologgers to automate detection of lame ewes and lambs

• DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105847
• Publication Date: 2023-01-20T07:20:24Z
• Authors: KE Lewis; E. Price; DP Croft; LE Green; L. Ozella; C. Cattuto; J. Langford
• Keywords: Flock; Ruminating

Lameness is an important health, welfare and economic problem in sheep flocks early treatment key to controlling lameness. Biologging technology provides high-resolution, continuous data that offers a novel opportunity detect lameness either directly or by identifying behavioural changes; option would facilitate more rapid of lame than visual observation. Here, the role biologging identify through changes within between investigated. Accelerometers proximity sensors were fitted flock 50 Poll Dorset ewes rearing 32 single 36 twin lambs, Devon, UK October 2019. used standing time classify behaviour into four states for (inactive, ruminating, grazing, walking) three lambs sucking, moving). Principal components analysis reduced these behaviours two components, 'feeding' 'inactive' ewes, lambs. A locomotion score each was day assess Complete records from observations obtained 513 days ewe-activity 720 lamb-activity (40 26 single-raised 28 twin-raised lambs). Linear mixed effects models effect adjusted covariates age, litter size, social behaviour, environment climate on principal components. Lame stood less, spent less grazing inactive non-lame ewes. also Lambs with severely dams those dams. In conclusion, it possible differences which could help enable automated warning consequently lameness, improved welfare.