Characteristics of selected behavioral patterns in small ruminants

Behaviour is one of the most important indicators of animal welfare. Goats and sheep display a range of social behaviours, mainly through olfactory and vocal signals. These signals are also extremely important in initiating and maintaining the mother-young relationship and during the initiation of sexual behaviour. Small ruminants have a clear herd hierarchy, with the oldest, strongest and most experienced individual usually being the leader. In sheep and goat herds, gonistic behaviour can often be observed, which influences the establishment of hierarchy and affiliative behaviour, which improves group cohesion. There are many similarities in the behaviour of goats and sheep, but also many differences. Therefore, it is important to constantly deepen and standardise current knowledge on the behaviour of small ruminants.