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Mota-Rojas D, Whittaker AL, Domínguez-Oliva A, Strappini AC, Álvarez-Macías A, Mora-Medina P, Ghezzi M, Lendez P, Lezama-García K, Grandin T. Tactile, Auditory, and Visual Stimulation as Sensory Enrichment for Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1265. [PMID: 38731269 PMCID: PMC11083412 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Several types of enrichment can be used to improve animal welfare. This review summarizes the literature on the use of mechanical brushes, tactile udder stimulation, music, and visual stimuli as enrichment methods for dairy cows. Mechanical brushes and tactile stimulation of the udder have been shown to have a positive effect on milk yield and overall behavioral repertoire, enhancing natural behavior. Classical music reduces stress levels and has similarly been associated with increased milk yield. A slow or moderate tempo (70 to 100 bpm) at frequencies below 70 dB is recommended to have this positive effect. Evidence on the impacts of other types of enrichment, such as visual stimulation through mirrors, pictures, and color lights, or the use of olfactory stimuli, is equivocal and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico (K.L.-G.)
| | - Alexandra L. Whittaker
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Adelaide, SA 5116, Australia
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico (K.L.-G.)
| | - Ana C. Strappini
- Animal Health and Welfare Department, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adolfo Álvarez-Macías
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico (K.L.-G.)
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Marcelo Ghezzi
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Pamela Lendez
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico (K.L.-G.)
| | - Temple Grandin
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
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Dickson EJ, Monk JE, Lee C, McDonald PG, Narayan E, Campbell DLM. Loss of a grooming enrichment impacts physical, behavioural, and physiological measures of welfare in grazing beef cattle. Animal 2024; 18:101091. [PMID: 38428372 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pasture-based beef cattle are raised in a range of production environments. Some paddocks may contain trees and other objects that allow for grooming, hence being naturally enriching, whilst others may be barren without these opportunities. Additionally, it is not uncommon for cattle to move between these enriched and barren environments as part of routine management. While the benefits of enrichment are well studied, how this 'enrichment loss' impacts cattle welfare as access to stimuli is removed is unknown. This trial assessed the impacts of the loss of an enriching object (grooming brush) on grazing beef cattle welfare and production characteristics. When grooming brush access was blocked, cattle became dirtier, showed reduced average daily gain, and had elevated faecal cortisol metabolites, although this varied according to the degree of initial individual brush use. Additionally, allogrooming and grooming on other objects were reduced when access to the brush was returned, potentially indicating a rebound effect. These results demonstrate that the loss of adequate grooming objects can impair the overall welfare of grazing cattle; however, further work is needed to determine exactly which natural or artificial objects provide adequate grooming opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Dickson
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia; School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Jessica E Monk
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia; School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Paul G McDonald
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Edward Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Dana L M Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, De Boyer des Roches A, Jensen MB, Mee J, Green M, Thulke H, Bailly‐Caumette E, Candiani D, Lima E, Van der Stede Y, Winckler C. Welfare of dairy cows. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07993. [PMID: 37200854 PMCID: PMC10186071 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It includes three assessments carried out based on literature reviews and complemented by expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe: tie-stalls, cubicle housing, open-bedded systems and systems with access to an outdoor area. Per each system, the scientific opinion describes the distribution in the EU and assesses the main strengths, weaknesses and hazards potentially reducing the welfare of dairy cows. Assessment 2 addresses five welfare consequences as requested in the mandate: locomotory disorders (including lameness), mastitis, restriction of movement and resting problems, inability to perform comfort behaviour and metabolic disorders. Per each welfare consequence, a set of animal-based measures is suggested, a detailed analysis of the prevalence in different housing systems is provided, and subsequently, a comparison of the housing systems is given. Common and specific system-related hazards as well as management-related hazards and respective preventive measures are investigated. Assessment 3 includes an analysis of farm characteristics (e.g. milk yield, herd size) that could be used to classify the level of on-farm welfare. From the available scientific literature, it was not possible to derive relevant associations between available farm data and cow welfare. Therefore, an approach based on expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) was developed. The EKE resulted in the identification of five farm characteristics (more than one cow per cubicle at maximum stocking density, limited space for cows, inappropriate cubicle size, high on-farm mortality and farms with less than 2 months access to pasture). If one or more of these farm characteristics are present, it is recommended to conduct an assessment of cow welfare on the farm in question using animal-based measures for specified welfare consequences.
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Hofstra G, van Abeelen H, Duindam M, Houben B, Kuijpers J, Arendsen T, van der Kolk M, Rapp F, van Spaendonk J, Gonzales JL, Petie R. Automated monitoring and detection of disease using a generic facial feature scoring system - A case study on FMD infected cows. Prev Vet Med 2023; 213:105880. [PMID: 36841043 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Digital images are becoming more readily available and possibilities for image processing are developing rapidly. This opens the possibility to use digital images to monitor and detect diseases in animals. In this paper we present 1) a generic facial feature scoring system based on seven facial features, 2) manual scores of images of Holstein Frisian heifers during foot-and-mouth disease vaccine efficacy trials and 3) automatic disease scores of the same animals. The automatic scoring system was based on the manual version and trained on annotated images from the manual scoring system. For both systems we found an increase in disease scores three days post infection, followed by a recovery. This temporal pattern matched with observations made by animal caretakers. Importantly, the automatic system was able to discern animals that were protected by the vaccine, and did not develop blisters at the feet, and animals that were not protected. Finally, automatic scores could be used to detect healthy and sick animals with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.94 on the second and third days following infection in an experimental setting. This generic facial feature disease scoring system could be further developed and extended to lactating Holstein Frisian dairy cows, other breeds and other infectious diseases. The system could be applied during animal experiments or, after further development, in a farm setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerben Hofstra
- HAS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Hilde van Abeelen
- HAS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Duindam
- HAS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Houben
- HAS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Joris Kuijpers
- HAS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Arendsen
- AVANS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 215, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Mathijs van der Kolk
- AVANS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 215, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Felix Rapp
- AVANS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 215, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Jessy van Spaendonk
- AVANS University of Applied Science, Onderwijsboulevard 215, 5223 DE 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - José L Gonzales
- Epidemiology Bioinformatics and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Petie
- Epidemiology Bioinformatics and Animal Models, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands.
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Lansade L, Lemarchand J, Reigner F, Arnould C, Bertin A. Automatic brushes induce positive emotions and foster positive social interactions in group-housed horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Keeling LJ, Winckler C, Hintze S, Forkman B. Towards a Positive Welfare Protocol for Cattle: A Critical Review of Indicators and Suggestion of How We Might Proceed. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.753080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current animal welfare protocols focus on demonstrating the absence (or at least low levels) of indicators of poor welfare, potentially creating a mismatch between what is expected by society (an assurance of good animal welfare) and what is actually being delivered (an assurance of the absence of welfare problems). This paper explores how far we have come, and what work still needs to be done, if we are to develop a protocol for use on commercial dairy farms where the aim is to demonstrate the presence of positive welfare. Following conceptual considerations around a perceived “ideal” protocol, we propose that a future protocol should be constructed (i) of animal-based measures, (ii) of indicators of affective state, and (iii) be structured according to indicators of short-term emotion, medium-term moods and long-term cumulative assessment of negative and positive experiences of an animal's life until now (in contrast to the current focus on indicators that represent different domains/criteria of welfare). These three conditions imposed the overall structure within which we selected our indicators. The paper includes a critical review of the literature on potential indicators of positive affective states in cattle. Based on evidence about the validity and reliability of the different indicators, we select ear position, play, allogrooming, brush use and QBA as candidate indicators that we suggest could form a prototype positive welfare protocol. We emphasise that this prototype protocol has not been tested in practice and so it is perhaps not the protocol itself that is the main outcome of this paper, but the process of trying to develop it. In a final section of this paper, we reflect on some of the lessons learnt from this exercise and speculate on future perspectives. For example, while we consider we have moved towards a prototype positive welfare protocol for short-term affective states, future research energy should be directed towards valid indicators for the medium and long-term.
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Strappini AC, Monti G, Sepúlveda-Varas P, de Freslon I, Peralta JM. Measuring Calves' Usage of Multiple Environmental Enrichment Objects Provided Simultaneously. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:698681. [PMID: 34660753 PMCID: PMC8517185 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.698681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess calf usage of five potential enrichment devices provided simultaneously. We used 25 weaned Holstein-Friesian calves housed in groups of five (five replicates), and their behavior was recorded continuously with video cameras. This longitudinal observational study used a pen equipped with a mechanical and fixed brush, cowhide, and horizontal and vertical ropes. Data collected included how many visits each object received per day, the type of object usage, and the duration of the visits. Calves used all five objects at least once, and they used items more during the daytime than at night. Brushes were used mainly for grooming (e.g., rubbing or scratching), while ropes and cowhide for oral interactions (e.g., licking, chewing, and biting), most likely to lack oral stimulations that would naturally be satisfied by suckling and grazing at this age. The objects most frequently used were the mechanical brush and the horizontal rope, and they received the highest number of visits (214.9 and 154.9 bouts/day, respectively). The least chosen object was the stationary brush, which had the lowest number of visits (62.9 bouts/day). The provision of multiple enrichment objects for weaned calves should be considered as they may add complexity and novelty to barren environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Strappini
- Animal Science Institute, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Institute, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pilar Sepúlveda-Varas
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences Institute, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Inès de Freslon
- Animal Care and Use Committee, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - José M Peralta
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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de Sousa KT, Deniz M, Vale MMD, Dittrich JR, Hötzel MJ. Influence of microclimate on dairy cows' behavior in three pasture systems during the winter in south Brazil. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102873. [PMID: 33863437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microclimate on thermal comfort and dairy cows' behavior in different pasture systems during the winter of a subtropical climate. The experiment was carried out in June and August 2020, covering the winter season in the southern hemisphere. Local microclimatic variables and cows' behaviors were compared in two conditions (shaded and sunny), in three pasture systems: silvopastoral system with disperse trees (SPSdisp), silvopastoral system with trees along the border fences (SPSfen), and treeless pasture (TLP). The black globe-humidity index (BGHI) was calculated to measure thermal comfort. During the afternoon the BGHI values were above animal thermal comfort at the sunny condition in the three pasture systems. The lowest average values (p < 0.05) of BGHI and soil surface temperature were recorded in the SPSdisp and SPSfen when compared to TLP. The highest value of soil surface temperature observed in the three systems were: in the sunny condition of the SPSdisp (24.7 °C) and SPSfen (23.1 °C), both between 13:00-14:55; in the TLP (28.5 °C) between 12:00-12:55. The time cows spent on each behavior was different (p < 0.05) among the pasture systems and conditions (shaded and sunny): in both SPSs, cows spent more time lying (resting and rumination) at the sunny condition between 12:00-12:50, and more time standing (resting and ruminating) at the shaded condition between 13:00-13:50. The frequency of drinking water was approximately 33% greater in the TLP than in the SPSs when the BGHI exceeded the comfort threshold (12:00-12:50). In the silvopastoral systems the cows had the option to compensate the heat loss caused by low temperatures staying at the sun; they could also use shade when motivated to do so, either to seek protection from the sun in the middle of the day or to rest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matheus Deniz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | | | - João Ricardo Dittrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zootecnia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratório de Etologia Aplicada e Bem-Estar Animal, Departamento de Zootecnia e Desenvolvimento Rural, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Horvath K, Toaff-Rosenstein R, Tucker C, Miller-Cushon E. Measuring behavior patterns and evaluating time-sampling methodology to characterize brush use in weaned beef cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8360-8368. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Costa JHC, Cantor MC, Neave HW. Symposium review: Precision technologies for dairy calves and management applications. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1203-1219. [PMID: 32713704 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in using precision dairy technologies (PDT) to monitor real-time animal behavior and physiology in livestock systems around the world. Although PDT in adult cattle is extensively reviewed, PDT use for the management of preweaned dairy calves has not been reviewed. We systematically reviewed research on the use and application of precision technologies in calves. Accelerometers have the potential to be used to monitor lying behavior, step activity, and rumination, which are useful to detect changes in behavior that may be indicative of disease, responses to painful procedures, or positive welfare behaviors such as play. Automated calf feeding systems can control delivery of nutritional plans to individualize feeding and weaning of calves; changes in feeding behaviors (such as milk intake, drinking speed, and unrewarded visits) may also be used to identify early onset of disease. The PDT devices also measure physiological and physical attributes in dairy calves. For instance, temperature monitoring devices such as infrared thermography, ruminal boluses, and implanted microchips have been assessed in calves, but no herd management-based commercial system is available. Many other PDT are in development with potential to be used in dairy calf management, such as image and acoustic-based monitoring, real-time location, and use of enrichment items for monitoring positive emotional states. We conclude that PDT have great potential for application in dairy calf management, enabling precise behavioral and physiological monitoring, targeted feeding programs, and identification of calves with poor health or behavioral impairments. We strongly encourage further development and validation of commercially available technologies for on-farm application of the monitoring of dairy calf welfare, performance, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao H C Costa
- Dairy Science Program, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546.
| | - Melissa C Cantor
- Dairy Science Program, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546
| | - Heather W Neave
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand 3214
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