Vocalisation latency of neonate lambs as an indicator of vigour

Abstract

Acoustic analysis of distress vocalisations have been widely used as a measure of neurobehavioral and vigour status in human and more recently rodent neonates. Pathological states resulting from central nervous system damage such as birth asphyxia have been associated with delayed cry latency, fundamental frequency instability and vocal dysphonation. Previously mammalian bioacoustic research has been used to evaluate caller identity, maternal-young recognition and animal effective state. This study presents data on acoustic features of neonate lamb bleats which could indicate compromised cognitive functioning and early behavioural deficits of neonate lambs in the first 12 hours post birth.