Investigating the effect of pen shape and pen size on group flight distance of extensively managed ewes

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of pen shape and pen size on the group flight distance of extensively managed ewes, and how flight distances of individual ewes compared when recorded in group and isolated settings. Within eight groups of 25 sheep, six focal animals were randomly selected (N = 48 ewes). Over four days, groups were placed in four different sized and shaped pens and flight distances (m) of focal animals were recorded. Pens designs were small rectangle (3.3 m x 7.2 m), medium rectangle (4.8 m x 5.8 m), large rectangle (11 m x 19.6 m) and curved/concave (with 31.5 m perimeter). Following a previously validated protocol, flight distance (m) was also recorded when focal sheep we..