ABSTRACT
Sheep have been domesticated for more than 10,000 years and are used widely for agriculture and for research. They are an adaptable and highly social, ruminant species with complex social behavior and excellent recognition and learning abilities. As a prey species, sheep rely on flight and vigilance for survival, and maintaining synchrony with the flock. These characteristics still define the behavioral biology of domesticated sheep and need to be taken into consideration when sheep are used in research. This chapter discusses the behavior of sheep, their perceptual abilities and requirements for management, to optimize their use in research, and their welfare. The importance of the social group is emphasized, and opportunities to improve sheep management through calm and positive handling are described.
