Sheep have complex grazing behaviours and social needs that are often poorly understood. Understanding these needs enables better welfare provision.
Sheep welfare is often underestimated because sheep are perceived as simple, stoic animals. In fact, sheep have complex social lives, good long-term memory, and show measurable emotional states including apparent depression when separated from companions. The welfare implications are significant: sheep management practices that disrupt established social groups, house animals at high density, or separate individuals cause genuine psychological stress. Understanding sheep behaviour - their need for visual contact with flock members, their hierarchical structures, and their strong ranging motivation - enables welfare-positive management. Good body condition management before winter, appropriate stocking density, and minimal unnecessary social disruption are the key welfare priorities for hill and lowland sheep.