Gentle vs. aversive handling of pregnant ewes: II. Physiology and behavior of the lambs

► Aversive handling of the dam during gestation increased fearfulness in the lamb. ► Aversive handling of the dam during gestation reduced vagal tone in the lamb. ► Prenatal treatments had no effect on learning ability in a maze test. ► Maternal experience had an impact on the behavior of the progeny. ► Such changes could be maladaptive and decrease welfare on farm.