Resting sheep face: Scientists develop face test for sad sheep

Scientists have designed an algorithm that measures five key markers of ovine facial expressions. Photo: AFP Relaxnews

They may look placid while grazing in fields but sheep's faces can tell us a lot, according to scientists in Britain who have developed a new system to work out if sheep are in pain or just feeling sad.

The test is based on 500 photos of sheep collected by veterinarians and used to design an algorithm by researchers at Cambridge University that measures five key markers of ovine facial expressions.