In sheep production, the choice of bedding materials affects production, animal growth, and animal welfare; therefore a balance must exist between animal comfort, and well being, cleanliness, and efficiency. This study investigated the preference of weaned ram lambs raised on three bedding materials (Sand, Straw, and Wood shavings) and Cement floor. A total of Eight (8) ram lambs (10-15kg) were randomly housed in a pen that was subdivided into 4 areas. Three of these areas had 1 of the 3 types of beddings: sand (SD), straw (ST), and Wood shavings (WS) (10cm deep) whereas the fourth had a cement floor (CF), where the feeding and drinking troughs are located. A video recording device was used to record their behaviour for 10hrs (8a.m-6p.m) on days 1, 7 and 14 and replicated twice. The behavioural patterns recorded are lying, standing, and walking. The bedding materials were analysed in the laboratory for the analysis of Dry matter (DM), pH, Bacteria count and Ammonia concentration at day 1, 7, and 14 respectively. The water holding capacity of the bedding materials were analysed at the beginning of the experiment. It was observed that ram lambs spent more time lying on SD over the other bedding materials; values ranged from (0.50) for ST at day 7 to (57.50) for SD at day 14. Standing was observed more on SD to other beddings; values ranged from (0.50) at day 14 for ST to (47.00) at day 7 for SD. It was observed that walking was more on CF to other beddings; values ranged from (1.00) for ST at day 7 to (22.00) at day 14 for CF. Dry matter of SD had the highest value than the other bedding materials; values ranged from (97.64%) at day 1 for SD to (60.03%) at day 14 for WS. The pH values ranged from (6.14) for WS to (7.44) for ST. Bacteria count was observed to be more on SD; however, values ranged from (10.01cfu/g) for SD at day 14 to (6.36cfu/g) for ST at day 1. It was observed that ammonia concentration was more on WS and SD than ST; values ranged from (692.50) for WS at day 14 to (41.00) at day 1 for ST. Straw (20.8%) had more water absorption to wood shavings (8.0%) and sand (1.11%). In conclusion, considering the behavioral pattern, animal preferences, and the integrity of the three bedding materials (Sand, Straw, Wood shavings), it was concluded that sand is the best bedding material.
Keywords: Bedding materials, Ram lamb, bedding preference