Rearing System Influenced the Performance and Health Status of Pregnant Ewes During Winter

Small ruminants are raised outdoors in the southeast US irrespective of seasons and associated weather conditions. Severe weather in winter can affect the performance of pregnant animals and compromise their health. Keeping animals indoors may provide comfort and minimize adverse weather impact; however, such potential has not been assessed. This study tested the hypothesis that the performance and health status of pregnant ewes would improve when raised indoor versus outdoor during winter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and health status of pregnant ewes when raised indoor versus outdoor during winter. Eighteen pregnant Katahdin-St. Croix cross ewes were divided into indoor and outdoor groups and fed corn-soybean mix (3:2) (0.8% of live weight) and ad libitum hay. Temperature and relative humidity were measured, and temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated for both sites. Animal performance data (live weight, body condition score (BCS), and FAMACHA score) and fecal samples were collected on Day 1, weekly during the study, and at the end of the study. Blood samples were collected on Days 1, 34, and 69, and analyzed for hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters. Indoor temperature was higher (7%, p<0.01), humidity was lower (8%, p<0.05), and THI was higher (5%, p<0.05) vs. outdoor. Indoor ewes had higher BCS (5%, p<0.05), EPG for GI nematodes (56%, p<0.05), reticulocytes (75%, p<0.05), mean platelet volume (8%, p<0.01), globulin (10%, 0.01), and serum chloride (12%, p<0.01) compared to outdoor ewes. Indoor rearing of pregnant ewes improved performance and impacted a few health parameters.