Litter Number Modulates Some Behavioral and Physiological Aspects in Egyptian Native Breed Ewes (Ovis aries)

Background and Objectives: Lactation is considered as one of the most stressful conditions along the entire life of female mammals.From the welfare point of view, nursing several lambs represents emerging health challenge both on the levels of dam and offspring.Therefore, this study was designed to explore the effects of litter number on Egyptian native breed sheep welfare by evaluating some physiological and behavioral parameters in ewes from 0D-30D after giving birth.Materials and Methods: Twelve multiparous ewes were identified into 2 groups based on their litter number as follow: Single Lamb Ewe (SLE) group include 6 ewes, each one had birth for one lamb and Twin Lamb Ewe (TLE) group include 6 ewes, 5 ewes each one of them had birth for two lambs and one ewe had birth for 3 lambs).Results: TLE group ewes had significantly higher total movement and maternal rejection behavioral activities and significantly lower resting and total ingestive behavioral activities than SLE group ewes.In addition, results showed that TLE group at days 0 and 30 postpartum had significantly higher levels of cortisol and prolactin (PRL) and lower calcium level than SLE group.At day 0, the plasma progesterone (P4) and glucose levels were significantly higher in TLE group than that of SLE group.Conclusion: Increased litter number may affect negatively on the behavioral and physiological conditions of ewes as it put them under stress.