Abstract. The expansion of wolves in Poland, a conservation success, simultaneously poses a challenge for livestock farmers due to an increase in attacks on flocks. In response to this threat, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are increasingly used, effectively protecting sheep from predators, reducing losses, and improving animal welfare. The presence of LGDs influences sheep behavior by enhancing their sense of security, promoting calmer behavior, and increasing time spent grazing and resting. Herding dogs, on the other hand, serve a different function – they assist in managing flock movement and maintaining cohesion, working directly with humans. Their presence may cause a temporary increase in stress levels in sheep due to active flock management; however, properly trained herding dogs minimize negative effects and facilitate daily husbandry tasks. Introducing LGDs to flocks requires careful planning and knowledge of livestock management principles. Early socialization is crucial – LGD puppies should be introduced to the flock at 6–8 weeks of age to recognize sheep as part of their social group and form a protective bond. Maintaining an appropriate number of LGDs in the flock is also important – generally, one dog per 50–100 sheep is recommended, though higher numbers may be necessary in areas with high predator activity. Optimizing pasture conditions includes providing sheep with safe zones that allow them to move freely and escape when feeling threatened. Understanding the different roles of herding and guardian dogs, as well as the individual responses of sheep, is essential for the effective work of dogs and for improving animal welfare under conditions of coexistence with predators.
Abstract. In three herds, the body condition of Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF CB) cows was evaluated between the 25th and 7th day before calving. The effect of body condition on calving quality and perinatal calf mortality was analysed. A 5-point Body Condition Score (BCS) scale was used for the evaluation. Basing on body condition assessments, cows were categorized into three groups: ≤ 2.75 BCS points, 3.0–3.75 BCS points, and > 3.75 BCS points. Difficulty of calving was classified on a four-point scale: unassisted, easy, difficult, and very difficult. Perinatal mortality was also assessed by classifying the cases as live calves or calves born dead or dying within 24 hours of birth. The average pre-calving BCS of all cows was 3.50. The largest percentage (52.13%) was related to the BCS between 3.0–3.75. In this range, the combined percentage of unassisted and easy calvings was the highest (93.96%), and perinatal mortality was only 2.11%. It was shown that cows in poor condition (≤ 2.75 BCS) or over-conditioned (> 3.75 BCS) showed a higher tendency of difficult and very difficult calvings as well as stillbirths. In the > 3.75 BCS group, the combined percentage of difficult and very difficult calvings was the highest at 20.11%, including 6.35% stillbirths or deaths within 24 hours. A 3.21% higher stillbirth rate was observed in the under-conditioned group. The relationship between pre-calving condition and both calving difficulty and stillbirth rate was statistically confirmed.
