Seasick Sheep

University of Queensland PhD student Eduardo Santurtun is conducting research into whether sheep get seasick. Or rather, the effect of "ship motions" on sheep. But he's not studying the sheep on an actual ship. Instead, he's created a contraption (a modified flight simulator) that replicates the roll, pitch, and heave of a ship. His subjects spend hours a day inside this thing being gently see-sawed up and down, back and forth. This is all being done to help the sheep, not hurt them. His research is supported by the Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, which is concerned about sheep getting seasick and dying as they're transported from farms in Australia to consumers around the world. [qt.com.au, abc.net.au]

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Mon Oct 22, 2012
Category: Animals | Science | Experiments

Comments

Isn't that a bit like swabbing with alcohol before giving a leathal injection.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/22/12 at 10:54 AM

As a card carrying member of P.H.A.R.T. (the "H" is silent) I must object in the strongest of terms about torturing these defenseless animals before eating them.

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 10/22/12 at 10:57 AM

At least his funding is coming from an NGO (the Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics) and not taxpayers.
On a side note, don't they ship the sheep as frozen carcases? It seems it would save a bunch on shipping feed for them and swabbing the decks.
("Lord! Have you seen the bottom of that Ark? Who's going to clean that mess up?!" - Noah)

Posted by tadchem on 10/22/12 at 11:30 AM

I believe that this explains why parrots and not sheep were a pirate's favorite pet.

Posted by KDP on 10/22/12 at 11:48 AM

@Tad: That quote would have to go to Noah's wife? Remember, women knew their place back then. :ohh:

Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 10/22/12 at 11:49 AM

Sounds like it's maybe a Baaaaad idea to take sheep to sea. I guess though they're Woolworthy for export.

Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 10/22/12 at 01:30 PM

Believe me sweetie I KNOW my place.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 10/22/12 at 08:24 PM

Electified seasick sheep on acid? I think I read a book with that title..? :coolsmile:

Posted by Tyrusguy on 10/23/12 at 09:43 AM

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