Animal welfare indicators for sheep during sea transport: Monitoring health and behaviour

The welfare of sheep transported by sea is a pertinent issue for Australia’s agriculture industry and subject concern amongst the general public. Evaluating effect transport on livestock requires an accurate system reporting. This study piloted animal monitoring protocol during two voyages from Australia to Middle East. Sheep health behaviour were analysed determine if could detect responses voyage conditions such as feeding management changes pen environment. Data recorded target pens five different commercial lines Merino sheep. Principle Components (PC) analysis behavioural data identified three principal components which compared with day, environmental using linear mixed modelling (GLMM). PC factor 1 scores (23.35 % total variance) showed that resting recumbency increased progressed. 2 (17.09 demonstrated heat fluctuated day. 3 (9.48 reduced flight distances increasingly competitive Environment associated changes, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) being most influential measure affecting all factors (p < 0.001). There few diseases or symptoms ill-health (including veterinary treatments) mortalities sample pens; however, associations between nutrition, behaviour, GLMM. Increases in WBGT linked nasal discharge 0.001), ocular 0.05), pink eye 0.05) Panting Score 4 0.01). With recordings ill-health, low mortality incidence, it was difficult interpret results comparisons behaviour. It likely indicators variations will be more meaningful applied larger size. pen-side assessments presented this provided practicable comprehensive voyages. application basis better inform stakeholders about transport.