This study aimed to compare the behavioural patterns of Turcana sheep reared under extensive and intensive production systems, with emphasis on feeding and grazing, rumination, resting, locomotor activity, social behaviour and maternal behaviour. Field observations were carried out on a flock of 250 Turcana sheep raised in an extensive system in Vârfurile locality, Arad County, Romania. Behavioural data for the intensive system were obtained from the scientific literature and used as a comparative reference. The observations focused on the daily distribution of the main behavioural activities and their relationship with the production environment. Sheep maintained under extensive conditions showed a more natural behavioural rhythm, characterized by grazing, higher movement, flock cohesion and environmental exploration. In contrast, the intensive system was associated with a more structured daily activity pattern, determined mainly by housing conditions and feeding schedule. The statistical analysis indicated significant differences between the two systems for rumination behaviour, the results suggest that the extensive production system allows a broader expression of natural behaviours in Turcana sheep, while intensive management provides greater control but may restrict behavioural diversity and locomotor activity. These findings highlight the importance of behavioural assessment as a practical tool for evaluating welfare in sheep farming. The study also emphasizes the need to adapt management practices to the biological requirements of local breeds, to improve animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in different production systems.

Turcana sheep, behaviour, extensive system, intensive system, animal welfare, ethogram

biology

Presentation: poster