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Pregnant ewes lying behaviour associated with lamb birth weight
Factors such as birth weight, sex, and number of lambs expected, alongside lambing conditions, were found to affect ewe's lying time.
Researchers at Aberystwyth University hope to predict when sheep will give birth.

The amount of time a pregnant sheep spends lying down is associated with a number of factors, including the number of lambs expected, the lamb's birth weight, and their sex.

Researchers at the University of Aberystwyth studied the behaviour of pregnant sheep 10 days before birth, and found that accelerometers, small devices used for measuring, could be fitted to a sheep's leg, and could estimate the amount of time that the sheep spent lying down.

Monitoring the pregnant sheep, the researchers found that ewes who were managed to lamb indoors, and were carrying a single male lamb, lay down for an hour less per day than those in the same circumstance expecting female lambs. 

Additionally, ewes lambing indoors, but with twins, also lay down less, because of the heavier combined birth weight. 

In the sheep who were lambed outdoors, the sex of the lamb was not found to affect the amount of time spent lying down. However, similarly to the indoor-lambed ewes, those with twins lay down less often, and for less time. 

Published by Dr Manod Williams in Applied Animal Behavior Science, it is hoped that the research will assist in identifying the factors which affect how long the ewes lay down for, and from there will develop to help predict when sheep will give birth. 

This further understanding of pregnant ewe's behaviour is also hoped to develop precision livestock farming methods, in order to optimise facilities and stocking densities for farmers.

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.