Characterization of maternal-filial behavior in the postpartum period of Santa Inês sheep

The objective of this study was to characterize the maternal-filial relationship of purebred Santa In & ecirc;s (SI) sheep, 1/2 Santa In & ecirc;s x Dorper (DP) and 3/4 Santa In & ecirc;s x Dorper after lambing. For behavioral observations, 65 females were monitored, including 17 purebred SI sheep, 25 1/2 SI x DP sheep, and 23 3/4 SI x DP sheep, analyzing the maternal-filial behavior of the sheep and lambs at 5-minute intervals over a 12-hour observation period. The weight of the lambs did not present a significant difference (P = 0.987), considering the genotypes, but there was a significant difference (P = 0.024) considering the sex of the animals. The weight of the animals presented a significant difference (P = 0.012) as a function of the genotype x sex interaction. Considering the activity of the ewes with their offspring, it is observed that no activity presented significant difference depending on the genotype that is, even with the degree of blood of a paternal breed, the maternal breed present in the crossing is important and the characteristic of maternal ability is maintained. Regarding the posture of the ewes with their young, it was observed that there was a significant difference according to the genotype, the pure Santa In & ecirc;s ewes spent less time moving (P = 0.034). The activities of the lambs searching for the udder (P = 0.034) and trying to get up (P = 0.035) showed significant differences according to the genotype, with the values being lower in the pure Santa In & ecirc;s. Newly lambed ewes spent their time mainly on behavior aimed at forming an emotional bond with their offspring, and on important care for the lamb's immediate survival, such as cleaning the newborn's body. For the lambs, once they were able to stand up and move around, they prioritized the ingestion of colostrum.