Physiological Response of West African Dwarf Sheep to Overnight Road Transport in Edo State

The transportation of small ruminants over long distances is a common practice in the Nigerian livestock trade, involving journeys from producing areas in northern states to markets in southern cities including Benin City, Edo State, in the South South geopolitical zone. Road transport constitutes a significant stressor for animals, eliciting physiological responses including elevated cortisol release, haematological changes, and weight loss. This study assessed the physiological stress response of West African Dwarf sheep subjected to overnight road transportation of approximately 400 kilometres from Lafia, Nasarawa State, to Benin City. Forty sheep were transported in a covered wooden-planked truck without feed and water access during transit. Blood samples were collected pre-transport, immediately post-transport, and at 24 and 72 hours of recovery. Serum cortisol, blood glucose, PCV, total white blood cell count, and fibrinogen were measured at each time point. Cortisol concentrations increased significantly from a pre-transport mean of 28.4 nmol/L to 67.8 nmol/L immediately post-transport. PCV and fibrinogen were also significantly elevated post-transport, consistent with haemoconcentration and acute phase responses. Body weight declined by a mean of 3.2 kg over the transit period. All parameters returned to baseline within 72 hours of rest and refeeding. These findings highlight welfare concerns associated with long-distance livestock transport in Nigeria and support the case for mandatory rest stops and access to water during transit. Keywords: transport stress, sheep, cortisol, West African Dwarf, Edo State.