Maternal and neonatal behavior as affected by maternal nutrition during prepartum and postpartum period in indigenous sheep

Abstract

An intensive period of behavioral interaction between the ewe and the newborn lambs occurs during parturition, usually associated with specific physiological changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the maternal–filial behavior of native breeds given concentrate supplementation, prepartum and postpartum, and outcomes for their crossed Dorper lambs. A total of 52 crossbreed lambs from 36 hair ewes, 20 Santa Ines (SI), and 16 Morada Nova (MN), crossed with a Dorper ram were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 breeds (MN and SI) and 2 treatments (0.5% and 1.5% of concentrate supplementation based on body weight). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of breed and concentrate supplementation on total lambing time (P > 0.05) or placental expulsion time (P > 0.05). Concentrate supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) lamb survival at birth and weaning for either breeds. SI ewes had greater maternal behavior scores (MBSs) than did MN ewes indicating better care at the time of lamb identification. The lower MBS for MN ewes may be attributed to complications during the birth. SI and MN ewes had high similarity in several aspects of maternal and neonatal behavior. The level of concentrate supplementation did not affect the ewe behavior, but 0.5% concentrate promotes similar offspring survival at birth and at weaning compared to 1.5% concentrate supplementation.