Project title: Grouping together during hot weather? A study of the collective behaviour of aggregation in sheep.

 This call is supported by the #DigitAg consortium within the scope of the French National
Research Agency under the Investments for the Future Program, referred to as
ANR-16-CONV-0004.
In grazing livestock farming systems, sheep express a unique collective behaviour of
aggregation linked with environmental heat. During the expression of this behaviour, which
can last several hours in the event of prolonged heat, individuals no longer ingest. The
collective dynamics associated with the expression of this behaviour, their links with
environmental temperature and the individual or collective fitness associated with the
expression of this behaviour are poorly determined. However, this behaviour well known by
shepherds can be a hindrance to the herd's performance and as well as an issue for the
management of animal welfare. The global evolution of climate and the multiplication of heat
waves in the Mediterranean area accentuate the need to study this behaviour in order to
understand it and propose ways of managing the grazing environment.
During this project, using digital tools, we will focus on the characterisation of (i) the
collective dynamics of grouping (using embedded devices, video recordings and direct visual
observations) and (ii) the local climatic conditions (temperature, humidity and solar radiation
sensors). This monitoring will be carried out in different groups of ewes (2 to 10 individuals)
at the Domaine du Merle (Institut Agro Montpellier, Salon-de-Provence). This monitoring
will be completed by behavioural data, in particular the monitoring of the physiological
parameters responsive to heat stress.
Key-words: Collective behaviour, aggregation, heat stress, animal welfare, embedded sensors
Field site: Domaine du Merle, 13300 Salon de Provence, South of France
Period of work : February/March to August/September 2025
Salary: The candidate will receive a grant of around 614 €/month. Travel and stay expenses
in the field will be paid by the project. Candidates will have to assume their living expenses.
We encourage students to find additional support from their university, or from other
institutions.
Qualification and Skills of candidates: A person with background in ethology / animal
behavior (level of master is preferred) wishing to learn about the digital monitoring of animal
behaviour both in terms of tools and methods or, conversely, a person with an
electronics/computer science/data analyst background wishing to apply their skills to the field
of animal behaviour.
The candidate will have to work in a farm station, to follow a formation with sheepherders to
manage sheep in the barn and in the field. The candidate will be also in charge of the care of
sheep involved in the experiments, which requires strong commitment during the whole week
including week-ends and close collaboration with the staff of the field station. The candidate
will thus be involved in physical activities linked to the management of adult sheep, will
work in the field under relatively hot Mediterranean climate and at dawn and possibly sunset.
The work in the field will be done in close collaboration with another student and possibly
professionals during short stay field periods. Thus, the job requires the capacity to work in a
team.
While French speaking is not mandatory, it will be an advantage in the field station.
People interested will have to contact:
Jean-Baptiste MENASSOL
jean-baptiste.menassol@supagro.fr
https://umr-selmet.cirad.fr/en/l-unite/pages-agents/jean-baptiste-menassol
Richard BON
richard.bon@univ-tlse3.fr
https://cbi-toulouse.fr/eng/page-personnelle-30