Effects of Doubling the Standard Space Allowance on Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Sheep Experiencing Regular and Irregular Floor Motion during Simulated Sea Transport

Simple Summary Sheep are sometimes transported long distances by ship, and space allowance is one of the most contentious aspects of welfare provision. Previous research has not examined major increases in space allowances, so we investigated sheep responses to a doubling of the standard Australian allowance. Sheep were exposed to simulated ship motion of a regular or irregular nature, representing smooth sailing or high seas, or a control treatment without motion. Doubling space allowance provided evidence of reduced stress: less pushing each other, less need for the sheep to hold their heads close together, less leaning against their enclosure and lower heart rates and LF/HF ratio. It did, however, increase stepping by the sheep to correct their balance. Irregular motion reduced the time sheep spent chewing the cud, also evidence of stress, however, balance corrections were more common in regular motion, possibly because the sheep could predict the movement and step accordingly. We conclude that doubling sheep's space allowance during simulated ship transport improves their welfare, and that irregular motion limits balance control and may reduce welfare.