000168256 001__ 168256 000168256 005__ 20260130124311.0 000168256 0247_ $$2doi$$a10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107687 000168256 0248_ $$2sideral$$a147750 000168256 037__ $$aART-2026-147750 000168256 041__ $$aeng 000168256 100__ $$aManenti, Isabella 000168256 245__ $$aPrinciples of sheep behaviour: An overview from a welfare perspective 000168256 260__ $$c2026 000168256 5060_ $$aAccess copy available to the general public$$fUnrestricted 000168256 5203_ $$aThe behaviour of sheep, like that of other animals, is the result of a complex interaction between causal mechanisms, their specific function, their development throughout life and their phylogenetic prevalence in the species. Within the domain of animal welfare, behaviour is of paramount importance, as they provide key insights into how individuals cope with environmental challenges and the way these challenges impact their mental states, biological functioning, and species-typical behavioural repertoires. The aim of this review is to critically and narratively examine key aspects of sheep behaviour to enhance the understanding of their biological needs and support improvements in the welfare of sheep raised under different production systems. The review emphasises the fundamental role of sensory systems in animal behaviour and welfare, along with the motivational systems, underlying individual, social, and maternal behaviours. It’s also examines abnormal behaviours in sheep and their implications for human-animal interactions within the production context. The integration of sheep behaviour knowledge with contemporary flock management is strategic to enhance both welfare and productive efficiency. Future research should focus on improving behavioural assessments, improved handling techniques and the possible implementation of precision farming to monitoring sheep behaviour. 000168256 540__ $$9info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess$$aby-nc-nd$$uhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.es 000168256 655_4 $$ainfo:eu-repo/semantics/article$$vinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion 000168256 700__ $$aToschi, Paola 000168256 700__ $$aMiretti, Silvia 000168256 700__ $$0(orcid)0000-0002-6848-1010$$aMiranda-de la Lama, Genaro C.$$uUniversidad de Zaragoza 000168256 7102_ $$12008$$2700$$aUniversidad de Zaragoza$$bDpto. Produc.Animal Cienc.Ali.$$cÁrea Producción Animal 000168256 773__ $$g255 (2026), 107687 [13 pp.]$$pSmall rumin. res.$$tSmall Ruminant Research$$x0921-4488 000168256 8564_ $$s3565794$$uhttps://zaguan.unizar.es/record/168256/files/texto_completo.pdf$$yVersión publicada 000168256 8564_ $$s2715631$$uhttps://zaguan.unizar.es/record/168256/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon$$xicon$$yVersión publicada 000168256 909CO $$ooai:zaguan.unizar.es:168256$$particulos$$pdriver 000168256 951__ $$a2026-01-30-12:20:53 000168256 980__ $$aARTICLE