| Hardcopy Reference: |
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| Title: |
A behavioural study of scrapie-affected sheep. |
| Author(s): |
Healy AM;Hanlon AJ;Weavers E;Collins JD;Doherty ML; |
| Publication Year: |
2002 |
| Reference: |
, vol. 79: pp. 89-102. |
| Country: |
|
| Summary: |
Scrapie is one of a group of slow neurodegenerative diseases known as the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE's). In the present study, the behaviour of 12 sheep, suspected having scrapie, and 12 clinically normal animals was observed over a 6-day period. Scrapie and control sheep were each divided into three groups of four animals. The sheep were housed in separate solid-walled pens in the same building. Behaviour was observed over 30 minute observation periods conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seven of the scrapie animals were confirmed to have the disease following post-mortem examination and only their data were used for the analysis of scrapie group. Scrapie sheep spent significantly more time ingesting concentrate feed but less time feeding on hay than the controls. The frequency of mastication and bolus regurgitation were lower in scrapie than control sheep. Scrapie-affected animals spent less time standing than control sheep and were more likely to adopt an abnormal posture. Furthermore, Scrapie-affected animals spent more time in pruritic activities such as rubbing and self-biting than control animals. Social interaction was also reduced in scrapie-affected sheep. In conclusion, this study has shown that there are distinct behavioural differences between scrapie and non-scrapie sheep. |
| Abstract: |
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| Database: |
Welfare |
