INFLUENCE OF BREED ON REACTIVITY OF SHEEP TO HUMANS

Ewe lambs from 2 breeds (Merinos d'Arles and Romanov) and their crossb reds, from Merinos ewes sired by Romanov rams, were observed during 5 individual tests. During the first 3 tests there were no other sheep i n sight and animals were alone, with concentrate or with a human. Duri ng the last 2 tests, some penmates were in sight and the experimental animal was alone or with a human. Romanov animals were much more react ive than the Merinos. They eliminated more ate less and avoided the hu man more. For most of the criteria, crossbreds were closer to the Roma nov than to the Merinos purebreds. This seemed to be due to genetic di fferences and not to direct maternal influence.