Woodchip bedding for sheep in Northern Norway

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a woodchip-based deep litter on the health and welfare of sheep. Two different sizes of woodchips (small: 2.5 cm and large: 5.0 cm) were tested in combination, both with or without Sphagnum peat. Ten groups of seven adult, pregnant ewes of the Norwegian White breed were randomly allotted to pens containing one of the bedding mixtures. Resting behaviour, animal cleanliness and the temperature development in the bedding were measured over four months. The woodchip size and peat supplement did not affect resting behaviour, although ewes housed on straw bedding were cleaner than those kept on woodchip-based bedding. The fewer the days since the addition of fresh litter substrate, the cleaner the animals. In conclusion, the welfare of sheep was acceptable when housed on woodchip-based bedding, and generally good when housed on straw bedding.

Keywords:

• Housing
• deep litter
• behaviour
• cleanliness
• temperature
• Ovis aries

Acknowledgements

This project was financed by the Norwegian Research Council, Nortura, Andøytorv, the County Board of Agriculture in Nordland County and the county administration in Nordland County. We would also like to thank TorfinnTorp for his excellent statistical advice.

Notes

1. http://lmt.bioforsk.no/agrometbase/getweatherdata.php