Behavioural and physiological response to routine husbandry procedures in Wallachian sheep

The social nature of sheep makes isolation a major factor affecting not only the welfare of the isolated individual but potentially the entire flock. This study assessed the impact of visual contact with the stressor (wool shearing and hoof trimming) during routine husbandry procedures using infrared thermography (IRT) and behavioural analysis. Sheep were divided into two groups with visual contact during the procedures (VC group) and without visual contact during the procedures (NC group). For each animal, eye temperature and behavioural assessments were conducted before and during the procedure period. The VC group exhibited significantly more active stress-related behaviours, such as increased active time and an absence of lying down, compared to the NC group ( P < 0.05). In contrast, the NC group maintained higher levels of inactivity and exhibited some instances of lying down. Infrared thermography measurements revealed a significant increase in right eye temperature in both groups by the end of the procedures compared to pre-procedure levels ( P < 0.05). Notably, the VC group demonstrated a more pronounced increase in ocular temperature than the NC group during the finishing phase ( P < 0.05), indicating heightened stress responses. These findings suggest that visual contact with conspecifics during husbandry procedures does not mitigate stress but may instead amplify arousal and stress-related responses. This study underscores the importance of considering social factors in animal welfare practices and supports the use of IRT as a reliable, non-invasive tool for stress assessment in sheep.