Body condition score dynamics in weaner Nellore brown lambs under different housing systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of housing system (slatted floor versus moorum floor) on the Body Condition Score (BCS) of Nellore Brown lambs over a 12-week period. Twenty lambs were randomly allocated to either a slatted floor (N=10) or moorum floor (N=10) housing system. Body condition scores were recorded at the beginning of the study and fortnightly thereafter. Initial BCS values were similar between groups (1.75±0.11 for slatted; 1.70±0.11 for moorum). Throughout the study, lambs on slatted floors consistently showed higher BCS values, though differences weren't statistically significant. By the experiment's end, mean BCS reached 2.90±0.10 in the slatted floor group versus 2.75±0.31 in the moorum group. Overall mean BCS across the entire period was 2.35±0.65 for slatted housing and 2.19±0.53 for moorum housing. Results suggest that slatted floor housing may offer a slight advantage for body condition development in Nellore Brown lambs compared to moorum floors.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410101437