The Effect of Climate Parameters on Sheep Preferences for Outdoors or Indoors at Low Ambient Temperatures.

Threshold temperatures for cold stress in sheep are not well understood, the available literature is somewhat dated and reports relate to winter temperatures that are relatively benign. Sheep's preferences for outdoor versus indoor environments, when given free access to both, were investigated in the winter period at temperatures as low as -23 °C. Two sheep farms, one with access to a permanent uninsulated barn and one with a polytunnel shelter, both with free access to an outdoor area, were used.