GPS observation of shelter utilisation by Merino ewes
D. B. Taylor A B D , D. A. Schneider B , W. Y. Brown A , I. R. Price C , M. G. Trotter B , D. W. Lamb B and G. N. Hinch A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, Animal Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B Precision Agriculture Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C School of Cognitive, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: dtaylor2@une.edu.au
Animal Production Science 51(8) 724-737 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN11025
Submitted: 24 February 2011 Accepted: 20 June 2011 Published: 5 August 2011
Abstract
The present study examined how shelter availability, altitude and temperature influence paddock utilisation by pregnant and lambing Merino ewes. Global positioning systems (GPS) attached to collars allowed continuous tracking of ewes’ positions within two paddocks, and environmental conditions were also monitored throughout this time using temperature loggers. Animal tracking devices (UNEtracker GPS collars) were used in the spring (September–November) of 2008 (51 days) and 2009 (43 days), 14 days post-shearing, to monitor movement of pregnant grazing fine-wool Merino ewes (5 per paddock per year). The data were used to examine sheep use of lone trees, interior shelter, perimeter shelter and remainder of the paddock during three distinct diurnal activity periods, namely night camping, morning grazing and afternoon grazing. Regular use of shelter was consistently recorded in the two experimental years and in both paddocks. The ewes consistently used sheltered areas and both the leeward and windward sides of shelter, particularly during high sheep chill days. The sheep used the sheltered areas significantly more often than they used the remainder of the paddock, which was devoid of shelter except for lone trees. Night camping did not occur at the highest altitude, but predominantly where shelter was also located. The present study has demonstrated the consistent use of shelter by sheep. The shelter-seeking behaviour of the ewes a month post-shearing suggests that these animals are more sensitive to weather conditions than has been previously reported.
Additional keywords: chill index, climate, GPS tracking, sheep, sheltering behaviour.
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