The mutilation of lambs by their mothers during lambing-period

Cases of canibalism in sheep during lambing-period on one farm were observe d. From a total of 526 sheep births of Berrichon and Polish Merino breed ew es, cases of mutilation or biting off tails by mothers were noted on the av erage in 14.5% lambs. In two sheep-coops, the percentage of mutilated lambs was 40 and 80%. Aggressive behaviour of sheep in relation to lambs concern ed both mothers as well as other sheep. The relationship between cases of c anibalism and the concentration of animals in sheep-coops, feeding, environ mental temperature and the learning of negative behaviour was discussed.