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Sheep and Goat Behavior and Environment

Breeding for adaptation


The wide variety of livestock in different parts of the world reflects a continuous process of
natural and artificial selection which has resulted in the survival of animals well adapted to
climate and other environment tal factors. Changes in the physical structure of species is
dependent upon (1) the ability of animals to mutate and/or respond to selection pressure (natural
or artificial), and (2) the effect of environmental pressure on the animal, which results in survival
of the fittest. Among the examples of adaptation to environment are haired sheep (devoid of
wool) in desert areas,and fat tailed sheep in arid zones. Such adaptations relate to survival of the
animals, but they do not necessarily entail maximum productivity of food for people. It is
understandable, therefor, why there have been many attempts to introduce improved livestock
into countries in which the productivity of native stock is low. But there are many problems in
breed replacement,thus, a large number of experimental introductions of new breeds have not
been successful. Disease problems, poor resistance to temperature extreme, and limited feed
supplies contribute to the failure of attemps to improve the output of native stock by replacing
them with improved imported breeds. To succeed, breed replacement or crossbreeding systems
for improved production with improved breeds must accompany improvement of
nutritional,parasitological,disease, and husbandry conditions of area
When choosing replacements to improve future generations, the producer should select from
among animals keep under an environment similar to that under which it is expected that their
offspring will perform. Moreover,these animals should be those that demonstrate high
productivity in their environment. Therefore, the producer should select and breed sheep and
goats the adapt quickly to their environment-animals that not only survive,but thrive, under the
conditions imposed upon them. When properly combined, heredity and environment complement
each other, but when one or the other is disregarded,they may oppose each other (For further
details on heredity and environment, see Chapter 18.)
Training and Adaptation
Early training and experience are extremely important. In general,young animals learn more
quickly and easily than adults do, hence , advance preparation for adult life will pay handsome
dividends. The optimum time for such training varies according to species. Furthermore,stress
can be reduced or avoided entirely if animals proceed through a graduated sequence of events
leading to an otherwise noxious experience.
ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
Environment may be defined as all the conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding
and effecting the growth,development, and production of animals. The most important influences
in the environment are the feed and quarters (space and shelter)
The branch of science concerned with the relation of living things to their environment and to
each other is known as ecology

Stockmen were little concerned with the effect of environment on animals as long as they
grazed on pastures or ranges. But rising feed,land, and labor costs,along with the concentration
of animals into smaller spaces,changed all this
In sheep, goats, and other animals, environmental control involves space requirements, light,
air temperature, relative humidity,air velocity,wet bedding,ammonia buildup,dust, odors, and
manure disposal. Control or modification of these factors offers possibilities for improving
animal performance. Although there is still much to be learned about environmental control, the
gap between awareness and application is becoming smaller.
In the present era, pollution control is the first and most important requisite in locating a new
livestock establishment, or in continuing and old one. The location should be such as to avoid (1)
complaints from neighbors about odors, insects, and dust, and (2) pollution of surfaced and
underground water. Without knowledge of animal behavior, and without pollution control, no
amount of capital , native intelligence, and sweat will make for a successful livestock enterprise.
In summary, selection provides a long-term answer to behavioral problems induced by the
environment. Animal need to be bred and selected for adapttion to their environments.
Feed and nutrition,weather, health and stress are environmental factors of special importances
and the should be included in any discussion of animal behavior.
Feed and Nutrition
Sheep and goats may be affected by (1) too little feed, (2) rations that are too low in one or
more nutrients, (3) an imbalance between certain nutrients, or (4) the physical form of the rationfor example , it may be ground too finely.
Forced production and the feeding of forages and grains which are often produced on leached
and depleted soils have created many problems in nutrition. These conditions have been further
aggravated through the increased confinement of animals, many animals being confined to lots
all or a large part of year. un

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