Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Research Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School RABIE-BOUCHAMA, Algiers, Algeria
2
Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Production (SPA), Higher National Veterinary School RABIE-BOUCHAMA, Algiers Algeria
3
Research Laboratory for Management of Local Animal Resource (GRAL), Higher National Veterinary School RABIE-BOUCHAMA, Algiers, Algeria
4
Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liege, Belgium.
10.30466/vrf.2026.2055199.4689
Abstract
This study is the first to apply the BIENE protocol to assess dairy ewe welfare in intensive farms in Algeria. A total of 1,964 ewes from 50 farms in the Algiers region were evaluated between December 2022 and March 2023 using 13 animal-based indicators related to nutrition, housing, health, and behavior. Moderate tooth loss affected 54.67 ± 3.32% of ewes, and 20.38 ± 2.78% had a low body condition score (BCS < 2). Housing problems included fleece moisture (11.28 ± 2.55%) and over 40% soiling of flanks and hindquarters. Health issues such as mild anemia (23.55%), lameness (26.45%), nasal discharge (35.47 ± 4.43%), and labored breathing (8.79 ± 1.47%) were observed.In terms of behavior, most ewes appeared attentive and active, although 40.55% showed fear and 19.9% aggression. Flight distance increased between tests (from 2.50 ± 0.07 s to 3.80 ± 0.07 s), and animals maintained greater distance from the corridor (2.79 ± 0.08 m) than from the observer (1.85 ± 0.06 m). PCA of qualitative behavior assessment identified three clusters: well-being, discomfort, and vitality.Spearman correlation analysis showed that relaxed ewes had better BCS (r = +0.29) and were less likely to be lame (r = –0.32) or anemic (r = –0.37). Vigorous ewes showed fewer signs of respiratory distress (r = –0.32), while apathetic ones were more prone to poor conditioning (r = +0.31) and injuries (r = +0.30) (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01).The BIENE protocol proved effective in detecting major welfare issues in intensive Algerian sheep farming.
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