Sheep housing and welfare

Various causes of poor welfare in sheep houses are presented. In particular, the effects on the welfare and health of sheep are discussed with regard to free access to external areas, to exposure to solar radiation, to ventilation and light regimes, to indoor climate and hygiene and to noise. Evidence is provided about the relationship between poor housing conditions, sheep welfare and problems of udder health with increased risk of mastitis and reduced yield and quality of milk. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.