Association of sheep (Ovis aries) personality profiles with physiological and productive characteristics under intensive production system

• Published in: Applied animal behaviour science 2025-02, Vol.283, p.106497, Article 106497
• Main Authors: Papadaki, Kallirroi, Samaras, Athanasios, Pavlidis, Michail, Pafilis, Panayiotis, Bizelis, Iosif, Koutsouli, Panagiota, Laliotis, George P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cortisol; Personality profiles; Sheep physiology; Sheep productivity; Social behaviour
• ISSN: 0168-1591
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106497

Consistent behavioural patterns defined as personality, are exhibited within individuals over time and across situations. Personality has been associated with the health, welfare and robustness of farm animals. This study aimed to identify the personality profiles of ewes reared under intensive farming and explore links with specific productive and physiological characteristics. To achieve this, 40 adult female sheep (Ovis aries) were studied. The experiment lasted for six months divided into three equal periods (A, B, and C). During period A, the animals were reared in two groups based on their breed. In period B the animals were equally mixed in two groups while in period C the animals returned to their initial state, as in period A. Ewes’ behaviour was recorded during the total experimental period. Based on the social behaviours that remained stable during the examined periods, three personality profiles were recognized (Dynamic, Receptive and Social). Ewes with high scores on the Dynamic profile received affiliative behaviours by more members of the group (p = 0.044) and ewes with low scores spent more time foraging (p = 0.021) and had lower body weight (p = 0.014). In addition, within the receptive profile, ewes with medium scores had the lowest blood cortisol as a response to handling (p = 0.020). Ewes with high scores in the Social profile exchanged affiliative behaviours with more individuals (p