Differences in the Health of Domesticated Sheep (Ovis aries) Pastured in Wild and Agricultural Landscapes

The purpose of this study was to compare the health of sheep grazed in a quasi-wild landscape (Norman’s Kill Farm, an abandoned dairy) as part of a targeted grazing research project, to that of sheep in a conventional agricultural pasture setting (Longfield Farm). This study tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the health and nutrition of sheep in a domestic setting and those in a wild setting. Sheep on the quasi-wild landscape were healthier than those on the agricultural setting, having healthier body condition scores. The mean body condition scores of the sheep at Longfield was 3.48 with a standard deviation of 0.69, and at Norman’s Kill the mean body condition score was 3.30 with a standard deviation of 0.27. The Norman’s Kill flock had a more ideal body condition score (the standard is 3.0), as well as less variable body condition scores. The sheep also had access to and consumed a more diverse diet than those in the pastoral setting, as shown by the microhistological determination of the diet. It would appear that quasi-wild landscapes offer a more nutritionally diverse environment than conventional pastures, which, in turn, can produce healthier livestock