Sheep Welfare in Confined and Pasture Production Systems: A Comparative Study with Emphasis on Parasitological Status

Background: While traditional pasture-based systems offer sheep natural living conditions and freedom, barn farming provides greater environmental control and protection. The choice of farming system is a crucial factor directly affecting the physical and mental health of the animals. Aim: This study evaluated welfare indicators and parasite prevalence in different sheep management systems, examining the impact of parasitic infections on ewe welfare. Methods: Conducted from November 2025 to April 2026 across 26 farms (13 confined and 13 pasture), the study individually assessed a sample of 1192 ewes aged 2-7 years. Animal-based welfare indicators were assessed using the AWIN protocol for sheep, while parasitic infections were determined from fecal sampling. Results: The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the systems. Pasture farms showed a higher prevalence of soiled fleece (60.14%), skin lesions, ocular and nasal discharge (6.35%; 31.22%), respiratory issues (16.75%), fecal soiling (16.23%), borderline anemia (16.23%), and excessive itching (16.23%). In contrast, confined systems exhibited higher prevalence of fleece loss (36.00%), hoof overgrowth (20.96%), udder asymmetry (1.44%), and wool pulling (8.32%). Identified parasites included Eimeria spp., gastrointestinal strongyles, Trichuris ovis, Dictyocaulus filarial, Muellerius capillaris, Protostrongylus rufescens, Moniezia spp., Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum spp., and Giardia intestinalis. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) were found between certain welfare indicators and parasite infections in confined systems, such as between thin body condition score and Eimeria spp., and between fleece quality and fecal soiling with gastrointestinal strongyles, while in pasture systems, thin BCS, nasal discharge, and respiration quality correlated with Muellerius capillaris, borderline anemia with Trichuris ovis and Dictyocaulus filaria, and fecal soiling with Eimeria spp. and Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Conclusions: This data underscores the critical need to improve ewe welfare and implement targeted parasite control strategies in both farming systems.