The aim of the study was to determine changes in physiological indicators in lambs
subjected to gentle stroking. The study included 40 three-week-old lambs (20 females of the synthetic
prolific-meat (BCP) line and 20 females of the ´Swiniarka (SW) breed). The animals were assigned
to two control groups (n = 20) and two experimental groups (n = 20). Lambs from the experimental
groups received treatment. Analyses consisted of determining the following parameters: heart rate
(HR), saturation (S) and biochemical analysis. In the groups of sheep subjected to gentle massage,
the analyses revealed a significant increase in the levels of cortisol, CAT, GST, GPx, among others,
and a significant decrease in the levels of total protein, SOD, TAC, uric acid and Na+. At the same
time, indicators of reduced stress levels were revealed, i.e., a significant increase in glycogen levels
and a significant decrease in glucose and HR values. These results suggest that the introduction of
gentle touch can induce positive states in lambs, and that the stress response may be transient and
adaptive. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these interactions can be a source of stress, even if
the behavioral response does not necessarily indicate stress.