SPACE REQUIRED FOR SHEEP DURING TRANSPORT

Space required for different body positions was investigated for sheep of different weight and genetic background in undisturbed housing con ditions. Body temperature, as stress indicator, was measured at differ ent intervals during transport. The loading situation caused a distinc t increase; a slight increase was measured after unloading. During tra nsport, the values did not reach those taken before loading. Concernin g the space required for resting, the present results indicate that sh eep (weighing between 32 and 35 kg) being transported with a space all owance of 0.16, 0.26, 0.27, 0.42 and 0.45 m(2)/animal showed an apprec iable amount of resting behaviour only at lower densities, i. e. with space allowance of more than 0.40 m(2). The recommended space allowanc e by the EU of 0.21 to 0.23 m(2) for sheep of this weight group has to be considered as too low to permit effective resting behaviour. The p roblem of supplying sheep with water and feed during transport has not yet been solved. The question is not only how much space the animals need for feeding but also a matter of the technical equipment for supp lying feed and water so that all animals are able to reach it.