Exigences climatiques et habitat des moutons

Heat exchange between the sheep and its environment is investigated with reference to animal heat production and loss and methods of determining lower critical temp. (LCT) for various breeds. LCT could vary from -25 to +17C after shearing and from -25 to -1C when air speed is increased from 0.27-4.29 m/s. The effects of cold and heat on animal development are considered. Housing materials, arrangements, floorings, surfaces and equipment are discussed. Temp. for ewes may range from 8-18C (with a tolerance from -5 to +27C) and for lambs between 10-28C. Air speeds should be between 0.1-0.3 m/s and minimum ventilation flow would be 15-25 m/h for ewes and 10m/h for lambs.