Body condition score dynamics in weaner Nellore brown lambs under different housing systems

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of housing system (slatted floor versus moorum floor) on the Body Condition Score (BCS) of Nellore Brown lambs over a 12-week period. Twenty lambs were randomly allocated to either a slatted floor (N=10) or moorum floor (N=10) housing system. Body condition scores were recorded at the beginning of the study and fortnightly thereafter. Initial BCS values were similar between groups (1.75±0.11 for slatted; 1.70±0.11 for moorum). Throughout the study, lambs on slatted floors consistently showed higher BCS values, though differences weren't statistically significant. By the experiment's end, mean BCS reached 2.90±0.10 in the slatted floor group versus 2.75±0.31 in the moorum group. Overall mean BCS across the entire period was 2.35±0.65 for slatted housing and 2.19±0.53 for moorum housing. Results suggest that slatted floor housing may offer a slight advantage for body condition development in Nellore Brown lambs compared to moorum floors.