Perinatal Behaviour and Progesterone and Corticosteroid Levels in Sheep

Merino ewes which had undergone regular handling to accustom them to the activities of observers were studied during lambing in outdoor yards. Quantitative behavioural records showed that: (1) individual ewes tended to isolate themselves from the main group before giving birth (P < 0.01) and to remain away during the first two postpartum days (day 1, P < 0.01; day 2, P < 0.05); (2) birth sites were most common in corners (P < 0.05) and least common in the centre of the yards (P < 0.01); (3) there was no apparent innate pattern in the ewe's licking of the lamb but the lamb appeared to be instinctively guided to the udder by the geography of the ewe.