Final answer:
The main cause of bruising in sheep is handling errors, with environmental factors, disease, and genetic factors being secondary causes. Proper handling is essential to prevent injury and maintain animal welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one cause for bruising in sheep is generally considered to be handling errors. When sheep are not handled properly, they can be injured, which leads to bruising. This can occur during transportation, shearing, or when moving them between paddocks. Improper handling techniques or facilities can cause stress and physical trauma, resulting in bruises.
Environmental factors, disease, and genetic factors may also contribute to bruising, but these tend to be secondary causes. For example, environmental factors might include poor pasture conditions leading to falls or collisions, while certain diseases can increase susceptibility to bruising due to blood disorders. Genetic factors might make some sheep more prone to bruising; however, careful handling remains the primary method to prevent injury and ensure animal welfare.