Use of New Technologies to Determine the Locomotion Energy Expenditure and Livestock Activity Patterns of Free-Grazing Sheep in Mountain Pastures

Abstract

This study assessed the daily energy expenditure and activity of sheep in mountain pastures in the Pyrenees (Spain), using Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometer data. Sheep traveled an average of 9.6 km daily, and the average daily energy expenditure due to locomotion was 3.20 MJ.day−1. Activity exhibited a bimodal grazing pattern, peaking in early morning and late afternoon, with reduced movement at midday and night. Despite an average loss of 0.65 points of the body condition score (BCS), most sheep remained within the optimal range. This study demonstrates the substantial energy demands of sheep grazing in the rugged terrain of mountain pastures and the effectiveness of GPS and accelerometer technology in capturing detailed activity patterns, providing insights for optimizing grazing strategies and livestock management.