ASSESSMENT OF DAIRY SHEEP WELFARE IN CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC FARMS

The aim of this study, carried out in the Tuscany Region (Italy), was to compare animal welfare in conventional and organic dairy sheep farms. Recordings were performed on 4 farms (2 conventional and 2 organic) selected for large flock size (average: 725±65 heads) and 4 farms (2 conventional and 2 organic) selected for small flock size (average: 145±53 heads). A single trained observer performed the evaluation, using a modified Animal Needs Index (ANI 35L) protocol, which relies on 6 assessment sheets. Only one visit was carried out in each farm. Modifications of ANI 35L protocol were referred to animal based indicators: skin lesions and integument alterations, cleanliness, hoof condition, lameness, evaluated on the basis of their prevalence (number of affected animals/number of observed animals). Longevity and mutilations, scored in terms presence/absence, were also included. The total derived ANI 35L score (average: 48.3±7.5; min 36.0; max 58.5) for the different farming method (organic vs conventional) and flock size (large vs small) was analysed by non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test. No significant differences were observed between organic/conventional farms and large/small herds. The obtained results might be explained by the negligible difference in dairy sheep production: despite of farming methods and flock size, all rearing systems were extensive. Further investigations are required to improve the modified ANI 35L protocol on dairy sheep farms; in particular, animal based indicators should be tested on farm to evaluate their validity in relation to specific variables (e.g. season, shearing) possibly affecting animal welfare.