Variations in Behavioral and Physiological Traits in Yearling Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) are raised in the wild by shepherds on the Tibetan Plateau and domesticated for a long period. Studying variations in the behavioral and physiological traits of sheep during the growing season is important for welfare and productivity. In this study, the behavior and physiology of a Tibetan sheep cohort were repeatedly evaluated in 2-, 5-, and 11-month-old sheep. The mean level of the risk-taking variable increased, while that of the vocalizations variable decreased. The exploration variable was stable over ontogeny. The novelty decreased, and the heart rate increased from 2 to 5 months, but both stabilized at 11 months. The fecal cortisol concentration (CORT) variable was stable at 2 and 5 months but decreased at 11 months of age. Stable correlations were reported for 2- and 5-month-olds and for behavioral variables and heart rate. However, some correlations emerged only at 11 months, whereas others disappeared over ontogeny. Moreover, CORT was independent of temperament and heart rate during the entire period. ABSTRACT: Temperament is a consistent behavioral difference among individuals over time or in different contexts. A comprehensive understanding of temperament and complex behavioral interactions enhances knowledge on animal evolution, welfare, and productivity. However, reports on the development of behavioral consistency over ontogeny are vague. Here, we tested the ontogeny of the temperament and physiological traits of Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) in three crucial age stages. The mean level of the risk-taking variable increased, while that of the vocalizations variable decreased. The exploration variable was stable over ontogeny. The novelty decreased and the heart rate increased from the juvenile to the adolescent stage but stabilized at the adult stage. The fecal cortisol concentration (CORT) variable was stable at the juvenile and adolescent stages but decreased at the adult stage. Stable correlations were reported for the juvenile and adolescent stages and for the behavioral variables and heart rate. However, some correlations emerged only after maturation, whereas others disappeared over ontogeny. Moreover, CORT was independent of temperament and heart rate at different ages. These results demonstrate that age affects temperament and physiology and their correlations. Hence, developmental aspects should be incorporated into future temperament studies.