Teat-seeking activity in new-born lambs: the effects of cold

Abstract

Behaviour of lambs was studied in three separate physiological states resulting from planned exposure to cold, i.e. energy reserves depleted, discomfort during the experience of cold, and hypothermia.When lambs were observed under mild conditions, prior depletion of about 20 % of the energy reserves, due to exposure to cold conditions for 4 hr., was without marked effect on teat-seeking activity. However, when the lambs were observed under cold, wet conditions, there was a marked depression of this activity. The activity in lambs which had been kept warm to conserve energy also tended to be depressed under conditions of discomfort due to cold.