Sheep team

Facilities

The Nouzilly site includes several infrastructures dedicated to research and experimental breeding:

• Experimental Sheepfold: Designed for precise flock management and scientific observation, particularly for behavioral studies
• Controlled Environment Building: Equipped with lighting and thermal conditioning systems. This facility is dedicated to research on biological rhythms and photoperiods, and allows for studying the impact of global warming on animal metabolism, reproduction, and physiology.
• Quarantine Building (“Lazaret”): Located 1 km from the main site, this facility is intended for receiving animals from external sources. Following a strict quarantine period and health monitoring, these animals can join the flock while ensuring the maintenance of a pathogen-free population.
• Abattoir: Our site includes an on-site slaughterhouse specifically designed for research, allowing for immediate and high-precision biological sampling. This infrastructure guarantees ethical end-of-life management in compliance with current regulations.

Identification, Traceability, and Specialized Equipment

All animals are electronically identified in accordance with current regulations. This system guarantees full individual traceability and facilitates precise zootechnical monitoring.
he main sheepfold is equipped with an electronic sorting pen featuring an integrated scale. Upon reading the electronic ID, animals can be sorted individually based on various criteria (weight, age, sex, physiological status). This tool enables:

• The creation of homogenous groups. ;
• Automated collection of individual zootechnical data.

The building also houses an ultrasound station (abdominal and transrectal), used notably for pregnancy diagnosis and body condition assessment.

Experimental Expertise

The site team possesses recognized experimental know-how, including:

• Weighing and Body Condition Scoring (BCS).
• Ultrasound imaging (pregnancy diagnosis, fat thickness measurement).
• Biological sampling (blood, tissue, etc.).
• Implementation of standardized behavioral tests.

All staff members are trained in both livestock farming systems and the use of animals for scientific purposes, in strict accordance with legal requirements.

Research Themes

• Reproductive Management: Development of alternatives to exogenous hormones.
• Biological Rhythms: Studies on photoperiodism.
• Behavioral Studies: Specifically focusing on the mother-young relationship.
• Neuroendocrinology: Including work on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and embryonic development.
• Climate Change: Impact on physiology and reproductive performance.

Work with us: Would you like to benefit from an ISO 9001-certified environment and unique expertise for your preclinical trials or research projects??