The objective of this study to assess the relationship between ewe maternal behavior score and physiological parameters related to their temperament. During lambing, 258 Corriedale and 50 Polwarth ewes were evaluated. They were raised on native pasture in the southwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The effects of farm, age, type of lambing, maternal behavior scores and body condition score before lambing and during the weaning were evaluated in relation to heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature of animals at weaning. In the first 24 hours after lambing, the maternal behavior score was assigned to the ewe as the distance from its lamb: 1) >10 meters and does not return to the lamb; 2) >10 meters from the lamb, but returns; 3) five to 10 meters; 4) between one and five meters; 5) less than one meter; 6) maintains physical contact. Ewes with maternal behavior score of <3 had a higher heart rate, but similar respiratory rates and body temperatures, compared with those with maternal behavior score >3. Sheep raised on the farm in Bagé municipality had higher heart and respiratory rates. Ewes with a body condition score before lambing of <2.0 had lower levels of heart and respiratory rates and body temperatures. On the other hand, ewes with body condition score at weaning of <2.0 had the highest values of heart and respiratory rates, and the lowest body temperatures. The lack of association between the physiological parameters measured at weaning and maternal behavior does not allow for the recommendation of its use to estimate postpartum reactivity and maternal ability of ewes.
lambing; lambs; sheep; temperament; weaning
