Two- or Four-Hour Lying Deprivation on the Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cows

Behavior, Intake, Digestion and Milk Yield of Early Lactation Holstein Dairy Cows with Two Levels of Environmental Exposure and Feeding Strategy

Eighty-four autumn (ACS, n = 45)- and spring (SCS, n = 39)-calved multiparous early lactation Holstein cows were assigned to groups of either: (a) grazing + mixed ration (MR) during partial confinement in outdoor soil-bedded pens with shade (OD-GRZ); (b) grazing + MR during partial confinement in a compost-bedded pack barn with cooling (CB-GRZ); or (c) total confinement fed a totally mixed ration (CB-TMR) in a compost-bedded pack barn. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure with significance at p ≤ 0.05. In both seasons, despite behavioral differences (p < 0.05) between the OD-GRZ and CB-GRZ groups (i.e., standing, first grazing meal length, bite rate), the milk and component yields, DM intake, microbial CP output (MCP) and NE efficiency were unaffected by the housing conditions, possibly due to mild weather conditions. The milk yield was substantially higher in the CB-TMR group versus the OD-TMR and CB-TMR groups (p < 0.01) in both ACS (~35%) and SCS (~20%) despite there being no intake differences, without any impact on milk component levels. In ACS, this was associated with a higher MCP, likely due to the higher nutritional value of TMR compared to pasture, which was not the case in SCS. In conclusion, the OD-GRZ group achieved the same milk production as the CB-GRZ group through behavior adaptation, under mild weather conditions, in both calving seasons. The CB-TMR group outperformed the grazing systems in both calving seasons, regardless of the MCP.

A short-term comparison of wheat straw and poplar wood chips used as litter in tiestalls on hygiene, milk, and behavior of lactating dairy cows

A short-term study was conducted to compare the effect of using poplar wood chips (PWC) instead of wheat straw (WS) litter in dairy cows. A total of 38 lactating Holstein cows (204 ± 119 days in milk, 26.9 ± 6.5 kg of milk yield [MY]) were housed in a tiestall farm for a 10-d trial including 5 d of adaptation followed by 5 sampling days (from d 5 to 10). Cows were divided into 2 homogeneous groups: one group was bedded with WS, and the second with PWC. Both litter materials were provided in the amount of 7 kg/stall per d. Each group was composed of 3 subgroups of 6 or 7 cows; the subgroups were physically separated along the feeding line by wooden boards. During the sampling days, fecal composition, used litter composition, and bacterial count (Clostridium spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, and total bacterial count) were analyzed by subgroup twice a day. On d 1 and from d 5 to 10, udder hygiene score and cow cleanliness score were also evaluated individually twice a day. Meanwhile MY, milk hygiene (total bacterial count [TBC], coliform bacterial count [CBC], and spore-forming units [SFU]) and quality were measured and analyzed from 9 animals per group. Moreover, individual animal behavior (body position and behavioral traits) and subgroup dry matter intake were measured on d 9 and 10. Fecal dry matter did not differ between groups, PWC had the lowest used litter moisture and N content favoring the highest clean cow frequency, but also gave rise to the greatest used litter microbial contamination. The MY, milk quality, TBC, SFU, and CBC were similar. The lying behavior frequency was similar between groups. However, the PWC group showed the lowest sleeping frequency, the highest frequency of other behaviors (including discomfort signs), and the lowest dry matter intake. However, despite this apparent reduction in cow comfort, no biologically important differences were observed in this short-term study between cows on PWC and WS in milk production or hygiene.

Changes in dairy cows' behaviour, health, and production after transition from tied to loose housing

BACKGROUND

Transition of dairy cows from a tied to a loose housing system may affect their behaviour, health and production. Such housing system changes have become more frequent in Estonia but knowledge is lacking on how cows adapt to a new system. The aim of this study was to evaluate how cows' behaviour, milk production and composition, and different aspects of their health changed after transition from tied to loose housing.

RESULTS

A herd of 400 dairy cows was moved to a new system on the same farm, so that effects of transport were not confounding factors. Behavioural observations were made for approximately 4 months following transition. Milk production data were recorded from 12 months before to 12 months after transition. Examination for skin alterations and cleanliness, as well as body condition scoring were carried out before transition, and thereafter monthly throughout the study. Significant effects on behaviour were observed just after the transition, with increases in the behaviour indicative of poor welfare, such as vocalisation and aggression, and decreases in those indicative of a good state of welfare, such as ruminating, resting and grooming. These effects were of short duration, with most returning to a steady state after the first week. Milk production declined already before the transition but fell significantly after transition, and this fall lasted longer in older cows. Likewise, somatic cell counts were higher in all cows following transition, but older cows were affected significantly more than cows in the first lactation. The frequency of lameness and skin alterations increased on average after transition. Body condition scores fell after transition but recovered by the second month. Therefore, there were adverse effects on the behaviour, health and production of the dairy cows transferred, although, apart from older cows, of short duration.

CONCLUSION

The transition from tied to loose housing first had negative impacts on the welfare of the cows, although by the tenth day the behavioural indicators had returned to normal values. Impacts were more severe in higher parity cows, indicating that the change was more of a challenge for older cows. The findings of this study suggest that animals' behaviour and health should be more carefully observed within about 2 weeks after transition. It is quite likely that more and more farmers in Estonia and elsewhere will recognize the benefits of keeping their dairy cattle in loose housing, aimed at improving animal welfare and the value of the production chain.

Different Conditions during Confinement in Pasture-Based Systems and Feeding Systems Affect the Fatty Acid Profile in the Milk and Cheese of Holstein Dairy Cows

The diet of dairy cows influences the fatty acid (FA) profiles of their milk and cheese, but how these are affected by different conditions during confinement in a mixed system (MS:grazing + total mixed ration:TMR) is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the FAs of the milk and cheese from MS in a compost-bedded pack barns (CB-GRZ) versus an outdoor soil-bedded pen (OD-GRZ) during confinement, and with a confinement system (100%TMR) in a compost-bedded pack barns (CB-TMR). Individual milk samples (n = 12 cows/group), cheese, and pooled milk (MilkP) samples were collected. The saturated FA percentages in the milk and the omega 6/omega 3 ratio in the MilkP and cheese were greater for the CB-TMR (p < 0.0001), while the unsaturated and monounsaturated FA percentages in the milk were lower for the CB-TMR than the MS (p < 0.001). The milk n-3, C18:3, and conjugated linoleic acid percentages were lower for the CB-TMR than the MS (p < 0.001). The milk n-3 and C18:3 were higher for the CB-GRZ than the OD-GRZ (p < 0.01), but no differences were observed between the MS in the MilkP and cheese. In conclusion, CB-GRZ cows during confinement produced better quality milk compared to OD-GRZ cows. However, the FA profiles of the milk, MilkP, and cheese were affected to a greater extent by the feeding management than by the conditions during confinement.

Performance of Autumn and Spring Calving Holstein Dairy Cows with Different Levels of Environmental Exposure and Feeding Strategies

Environmental exposure during confinement and feeding strategy affects cow behavior, nutrient utilization, and performance. Milk production and composition, body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids, and beta-hydroxybutyrate were determined during a full lactation in cows submitted to (a) grazing + partial confinement in outdoor soil-bedded pens with shade structures (OD-GRZ); (b) grazing + partial confinement in a compost-bedded pack barn with cooling capacity (CB-GRZ); or (c) total confinement (same facilities as CB-GRZ) and fed TMR ad libitum (CB-TMR). Autumn (ACS) and spring (SCS) calving season cows were used for each treatment, except for CB-TMR (only SCS). In ACS, treatments did not differ in any variable, possibly due to mild weather. In SCS, milk production was higher in CB-TMR than CB-GRZ, which in turn produced more milk than OD-GRZ. Differences coincided with heat waves and/or heavy rains (similar grazing conditions and mixed ration DM intake). Milk fat, protein and lactose yield, protein content, and BCS were higher in CB-TMR, without differences between CB-GRZ and OD-GRZ. Cows in OD-GRZ had impaired energy metabolism. Under moderately unfavorable environmental conditions (ACS), when well-managed, OD-GRZ systems could equate to the productive response of CB-GRZ. However, in worse climatic conditions (SCS), performance could be compromised, especially when compared to TMR systems.

Welfare of calves

This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission request on the welfare of calves as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. EFSA was asked to provide a description of common husbandry systems and related welfare consequences, as well as measures to prevent or mitigate the hazards leading to them. In addition, recommendations on three specific issues were requested: welfare of calves reared for white veal (space, group housing, requirements of iron and fibre); risk of limited cow–calf contact; and animal‐based measures (ABMs) to monitor on‐farm welfare in slaughterhouses. The methodology developed by EFSA to address similar requests was followed. Fifteen highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, with respiratory disorders, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, gastroenteric disorders and group stress being the most frequent across husbandry systems. Recommendations to improve the welfare of calves include increasing space allowance, keeping calves in stable groups from an early age, ensuring good colostrum management and increasing the amounts of milk fed to dairy calves. In addition, calves should be provided with deformable lying surfaces, water via an open surface and long‐cut roughage in racks. Regarding specific recommendations for veal systems, calves should be kept in small groups (2–7 animals) within the first week of life, provided with ~ 20 m²/calf and fed on average 1 kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF) per day, preferably using long‐cut hay. Recommendations on cow–calf contact include keeping the calf with the dam for a minimum of 1 day post‐partum. Longer contact should progressively be implemented, but research is needed to guide this implementation in practice. The ABMs body condition, carcass condemnations, abomasal lesions, lung lesions, carcass colour and bursa swelling may be collected in slaughterhouses to monitor on‐farm welfare but should be complemented with behavioural ABMs collected on farm.

Effect of dietary protein level and corn processing on behavior activity of high producing dairy cows

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of corn processing and protein level on the feeding, lying, and post milking standing (PMS) behavior in high producing cows. Eight Holstein cows were randomly assigned to diets containing either finely ground (FGC) or steam flaked (SFC) corn based on either low (LP) or high (HP) protein content. Cows receiving LP had lower milk yield than cows receiving HP with similar DMI. Moreover, FGC-fed cows had higher DMI than SFC-fed cows with similar milk yields. Eating and rumination time tended to be lower and chewing time was lower in HP-fed cows than LP-fed cows. Cows fed SFC tended to have higher laying rumination interval and lower lying rumination bouts than cows fed FGC. Total and average PMS were lower in cows fed HP than LP. Cows fed LP had higher chewing activity in the daytime than cows fed HP. Our results suggested that the protein level and corn processing affect the standing and lying behavior of high producing dairy cows, although, this effect is marginal. Results also indicated that probably any change in the diet that increases the rumination and eating times could also improve the PMSThe objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of corn processing and protein level on the feeding, lying, and post milking standing (PMS) behavior in high producing cows. Eight Holstein cows were randomly assigned to diets containing either finely ground (FGC) or steam flaked (SFC) corn based on either low (LP) or high (HP) protein content. Cows receiving LP had lower milk yield than cows receiving HP with similar DMI. Moreover, FGC-fed cows had higher DMI than SFC-fed cows with similar milk yields. Eating and rumination time tended to be lower and chewing time was lower in HP-fed cows than LP-fed cows. Cows fed SFC tended to have higher laying rumination interval and lower lying rumination bouts than cows fed FGC. Total and average PMS were lower in cows fed HP than LP. Cows fed LP had higher chewing activity in the daytime than cows fed HP. Our results suggested that the protein level and corn processing affect the standing and lying behavior of high producing dairy cows, although, this effect is marginal. Results also indicated that probably any change in the diet that increases the rumination and eating times could also improve the PMS

Is greater milk production associated with dairy cows who have a greater probability of ruminating while lying down?

The objective of this study was to determine whether associations exist between position while ruminating (lying vs. standing) and milk and component production in dairy cows. Data from 30 lactating Holstein cows were assembled from 2 studies in which cows were milked by automated milking system (AMS) and fed a partial mixed ration (PMR) in feed bins that recorded intake behavior. Rumination and lying behavior were monitored using automated neck- and leg-based sensors, respectively. Each cow was monitored over 2 separate 2-wk treatment periods. To estimate position while ruminating for each 2-h period of the day for each cow, a conditional probability was calculated to determine the probability that any rumination time and lying time were occurring at the same time in any 2-h period. These probabilities (RwL), and all behavioral data, were summarized per cow per 2-h interval, and then averaged per day and per 2-wk period, along with milk yield and component data. Cows averaged (mean ± standard deviation) 1.9 ± 1.1 lactations and 85.5 ± 55.2 d in milk, and weighed 668.5 ± 96.0 kg. Data included rumination time (557.7 ± 41.1 min/d), lying time (703.9 ± 65.3 min/d), idle standing time (520.1 ± 83.2 min/d), PMR feeding time (204.7 ± 48.5 min/d), PMR dry matter intake (DMI; 21.8 ± 4.6 kg/d), AMS pellet provision (4.6 ± 1.6 kg/d), total DMI (26.4 ± 4.5 kg/d), milk yield (42.4 ± 7.2 kg/d), milk fat content (3.75 ± 0.51%), and milk protein content (3.21 ± 0.32%). Greater rumination time and lying time were associated with greater RwL probability (mean = 0.19 ± 0.02; range = 0.14 to 0.23). The RwL probability tended to be positively associated with total DMI and milk fat content, was associated with milk protein content, but was not associated with any measures of milk yield. The results indicate that in a free-traffic AMS, cows who have greater probability of ruminating while lying down spend more time ruminating and lying, and tend to consume more total dry matter and produce milk with greater components.

Do Walking Distance and Time Away from the Paddock Influence Daily Behaviour Patterns and Milk Yield of Grazing Dairy Cows?

In pasture-based systems, cows may spend several hours away from the paddock and may also walk several kilometres to meet daily milking requirements; this could lead cows to experience time constraints for grazing, ruminating and lying time in the paddock. This study investigated how walking distance and time spent away from the paddock affected daily behavioural patterns (i.e., grazing, ruminating and lying time) and milk yield. Dairy cows were managed in three rotationally grazed groups (n = 29 cows each) on the same farm and milked twice daily. A triaxial ear tag accelerometer on each cow recorded daily duration of grazing and ruminating, and a leg-based accelerometer recorded the daily lying time, for 13 days. GPS collars on four cows per group recorded the daily walking distance and total time away from the paddock for the group. A mixed repeated measures model tested how time off-paddock and walking distance affected the daily behavioural patterns; age, breed, milk yield and maximum ambient temperature were used as covariates with group as the observational unit. A second similar model tested how these factors affected milk yield. Walking distance and time spent away from the paddock were not correlated. When daily walking distance increased (to a maximum of 4 km/d), cows spent more time grazing and less time ruminating, but lying time was not affected. This result may, in part, be related to the greater energy expenditure demands for walking longer distances and milk production. When time away from the paddock increased (to a maximum of 4 h/d), cows spent less time lying, but grazing and ruminating times were not affected. Milk yield was not affected by walking distance, but one of the groups experienced a lower milk yield when time away from the paddock was increased. This result suggests that, for some cows, lying times may be shorter when experiencing a longer time away from the paddock, which may also affect milk yield. Overall, this study indicates that paddock behaviours are associated with walking distance to the milking parlour and time spent away from the paddock. Efforts to reduce walking distance and time spent away from the paddock are likely to provide cows with greater opportunity to engage in daily behaviours in the paddock that meet their needs and maintain their milk yield.

Effect of flooring system on maintenance behaviours of cows

To evaluate the effect of floor on maintenance behaviours of cow in loose housing system, four groups, viz. T0 (concrete in covered and brick-paved in open area), T1 (concrete in covered and sand bed in open), T2 (rubber mat in covered and sand bed in open) and T3 (rubber mat in covered and brick-paved in open) were studied. Feeding was the major activity (39–44%) of day, with significant difference between groups. In covered area, lying and standing rumination, while in open area idling, were significantly different between groups during day. During night lying-rumination was major activity (62–69%). Night idling, standing-rumination, lying and lying-rumination behaviour, were significantly different between groups. Overall most of the time in each group was devoted to lying-rumination (45–53%) and feeding (18–21%). Area wise, open area was more occupied and posture wise sitting posture dominated in all the groups. Overall feeding, idling and standing-rumination in open, lying-rumination (in open or covered area), sleeping, total standing time and total sitting time were significantly different between groups. Feeding time showed positive trend in rubber matted floor (T2, T3). More lying-rumination and sleeping time was seen in rubber matted covered area. Sand bedding in open area reduced the standing and standingrumination activity, while promoting the sitting/lying time. Rubber matting in covered area and sand bedding in open area, was found favourable for maintenance behaviour of dairy cows.

Standing behavior and sole horn lesions: A prospective observational longitudinal study

Studies performed on individual research farms have reported that dairy cattle developing sole hemorrhages or sole ulcers in peak to mid lactation spent more time standing during the weeks around calving. The aim of this prospective observational longitudinal study was to evaluate whether this relationship is evident in commercial dairy herds. A convenience sample of 8 herds were visited every other week, and animals without previous severe horn lesions and deemed sound at 4 to 8 wk before calving were enrolled. Standing behavior was measured with data loggers attached to a rear leg, and standing time and duration of the longest standing bout were determined for each cow. Standing behavior was summarized into 3 periods: before (d -14 to -2), around (d -1 to 1), and after (d 2 to 14) calving. Average daily standing time and average daily longest standing bout were determined for each cow and period. Average daily standing time was normally distributed, with a mean ± standard deviation of 12.1 ± 1.6, 14.4 ± 2.2, and 13.8 ± 1.7 h/d for the 3 periods, respectively. Average daily longest standing bout was right skewed with a median of 3.6 h/d [interquartile range (IQR): 3.0 to 4.3; range: 1.7 to 12.1], 3.9 h/d (IQR: 3.1 to 4.8; range: 1.3 to 11.5), and 3.7 (IQR: 3.2 to 4.4; range: 1.5 to 11.7) h/d before, around, and after calving, respectively. Hoof trimming was performed 8 to 12 wk postpartum; hoof lesion data were summarized per cow, and the most serious injury of each type of lesion was noted. Sole hemorrhages or sole ulcers were found in 25 of 256 cows. Mixed-effect logistic regression models with herd as random effect were used to analyze the risk of developing sole hemorrhages and sole ulcers, using animals without hoof lesions as reference category. Separate models were fitted for the 2 standing behaviors, and for the periods before, around, and after calving. Change in standing behavior from before to after calving was also analyzed. Body condition score at calving, body condition score loss in early lactation, milk yield, parity, and days in milk at trimming were included as covariates. In this study, no evidence for an association was found between sole hemorrhages and sole ulcers and standing behavior before or around calving. Longer standing time and longer standing bouts after calving were associated with increased odds of developing sole hemorrhages and sole ulcers, as was an increase in standing bout duration from before to after calving. Animals with sole horn or white line lesions had higher unconditional sample odds of becoming lame (odds ratio = 2.5) and severely lame (odds ratio = 11.7) after calving, compared with animals with no registered lesions at trimming. Multiparous animals had higher lameness incidence, both before and after calving. Avoiding practices that exacerbate increases in standing time and standing bout duration in early lactation may reduce the incidence of sole hemorrhages and sole ulcers.

Sensor and Video: Two Complementary Approaches for Evaluation of Dairy Cow Behavior after Calving Sensor Attachment

Studies evaluating calving sensors provided evidence that attaching the sensor to the tail may lead to changes in the cows' behavior. Two different calving sensors were attached to 18 cows, all of which were equipped with a rumen bolus to record their activity. Two methodological approaches were applied to detect potential behavioral changes: analysis of homogeneity of variance in cow activity (5 days pre-sensor and 24 h post-sensor) and analysis of video-recorded behavior (12 h pre- and post-sensor, respectively) in a subgroup. The average results across the sample showed no significant changes in the variability of activity and no statistically significant mean differences in most visually analyzed behaviors, namely walking, eating, drinking, social interaction, tail raising, rubbing the tail, and the number of standing and lying bouts after calving sensor attachment. In addition to considering mean values across all cows, individual cow investigations revealed an increased number of time slots showing a significant increase in the variability of activity and an increased frequency of tail raising and rubbing the tail on objects after calving sensor attachment in some cows, which should be investigated in more detail on a larger scale.

Invited review: Lying time and the welfare of dairy cows

Adequate time lying down is often considered an important aspect of dairy cow welfare. We examine what is known about cows' motivation to lie down and the consequences for health and other indicators of biological function when this behavior is thwarted. We review the environmental and animal-based factors that affect lying time in the context of animal welfare. Our objective is to review the research into the time that dairy cows spend lying down and to critically examine the evidence for the link with animal welfare. Cows can be highly motivated to lie down. They show rebound lying behavior after periods of forced standing and will sacrifice other activities, such as feeding, to lie down for an adequate amount of time. They will work, by pushing levers or weighted gates, to lie down and show possible indicators of frustration when lying behavior is thwarted. Some evidence suggests that risk of lameness is increased in environments that provide unfavorable conditions for cows to lie down and where cows are forced to stand. Lameness itself can result in longer lying times, whereas mastitis reduces it. Cow-based factors such as reproductive status, age, and milk production influence lying time, but the welfare implications of these differences are unknown. Lower lying times are reported in pasture-based systems, dry lots, and bedded packs (9 h/d) compared with tiestalls and freestalls (10 to 12 h/d) in cross-farm research. Unfavorable conditions, including too few lying stalls for the number of cows, hard or wet lying surfaces, inadequate bedding, stalls that are too small or poorly designed, heat, and rain all reduce lying time. Time constraints, such as feeding or milking, can influence lying time. However, more information is needed about the implications of mediating factors such as the effect of the standing surface (concrete, pasture, or other surfaces) and cow behavior while standing (e.g., being restrained, walking, grazing) to understand the effect of low lying times on animal welfare. Many factors contribute to the difficulty of finding a valid threshold for daily lying time to use in the assessment of animal welfare. Although higher lying times often correspond with cow comfort, and lower lying times are seen in unfavorable conditions, exceptions occur, namely when cows lie down for longer because of disease or when they spend more time standing because of estrus or parturition, or to engage in other behaviors. In conclusion, lying behavior is important to dairy cattle, but caution and a full understanding of the context and the character of the animals in question is needed before drawing firm conclusions about animal welfare from measures of lying time.

Dairy cow trade-off preference for 2 different lying qualities: Lying surface and lying space

Lying down is an important behavior for cows, contributing to their health and welfare. With dairy cows being housed for increasingly longer periods, if not year-round, it is important to ensure that dairy cow lying comfort is not compromised when they are housed. The aim of this study was to assess cow preference for 2 different qualities of lying area that appear to be important to cows-surface type and an open lying space-to better understand how to optimize lying comfort for cows when housed. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were used during the study, which took place in Scotland from July to November 2018. The study consisted of 6 experimental periods, each lasting a total of 21 d. Cows were tested 4 at a time and individually housed in their own test pen. Each pen had 3 lying surfaces: sand, mattress, and straw (2.4 m × 2.4 m each) with a freestall in the middle of each, which could be removed. Cows were given access to one surface at a time (training period) with a freestall for 2 d, and then given a choice of all 3 surfaces for 2 d. When given the choice with freestalls in position, cows spent, on average, the largest amount of their lying time on straw (46.6 ± 7.8%) followed by mattress (44.3 ± 12.4%). Freestalls were then removed and the training and choice phase was repeated on the following day, with cows, on average, spending the most time lying on straw (64.4 ± 7.2%). Finally, a freestall was refitted onto each cow's most preferred surface and the cows were given a choice between lying on their most preferred surface with a freestall (P1 + freestall) or on their second or third preferred surface without a freestall (P2 + open and P3 + open, respectively) for 3 d. During this final trade-off stage, of the 19 cows for which data were available, 14 cows chose to give up the opportunity to lie down on their most preferred surface to have more space on P2 + open and P3 + open, 3 cows chose to lie down on P1 + freestall, and 2 cows made no clear choice. Overall, cows spent the largest amount of their total lying time on their second most preferred surface as an open lying space (65.7 ± 6.9%) compared with their preferred surface with a freestall (20.5 ± 5.9%) and their third preferred surface as an open lying space (13.8 ± 3.7%). The results indicate that when lying down, these dairy cows value an open lying space more than the lying surface.

Association of postpartum uterine diseases with lying time and metabolic profiles of multiparous Holstein dairy cows in the transition period

The objective of this study was to assess how uterine disorders alter the lying behaviour and plasma biomarkers in dairy cows. 34 multiparous cows were retrospectively classified into three groups according to the first uterine disorder that cows were diagnosed with: retained placenta (RP), metritis (MET), or healthy (H; cows without any clinical disease). Lying time (LT) and duration of lying bouts (LB) were monitored between 6 weeks prior to and 8 weeks after calving via the AfiAct II pedometer. Blood samples were collected routinely between 14 days before and 28 days after calving. Data was analysed using Proc MIXED of SAS ver. 9.4. Regardless of grouping, both LT and LB were longer (P < 0.01) in the prepartum period (774 ± 16.6 min/day and 89.9 ± 2.1 min/bout) than in the first 28 days after calving (DFC; 653 ± 16.7 min/day and 63.7 ± 2.1 min/bout). Cows with RP had longer LT than healthy cows during the last 3 weeks before calving (837 ± 30.9 vs. 735 ± 27.1 min/day; P < 0.05). LT in cows with MET and healthy cows were not significantly different. The LB was similar among groups, averaging 76.1 ± 3.4 min/bout in healthy cows, 73.2 ± 3.8 min/bout in cows with RP, and 75.2 ± 3.7 min/bout in cows with MET (P > 0.05). Compared with healthy cows, cows with RP laid down longer and stood up for shorter times (P < 0.05), particularly before calving. In addition, cows with RP had increased mobilization of body stores and more pronounced inflammatory status, as demonstrated by plasma haptoglobin (P = 0.04) and albumin (P < 0.01) concentrations. Our data suggest that automatic monitoring of lying behaviour could help identify cows at increased risk of developing certain disorders, such as RP.

Symposium review: The impact of management and facilities on cow culling rates

This symposium review examines the association between comfort and cow longevity, with a particular emphasis on optimizing resting behavior in confinement-housed systems. Housed dairy cattle demonstrate a variety of negative behavioral and physiological effects when lying time is restricted, with cows prioritizing the recovery of rest over feeding when both are deprived. There is, however, wide individual-cow variation in daily lying times, influenced by an array of cow-, housing-, and management-related factors. Cow-related factors include individual preference, parity, stage of lactation cycle, milk yield, ill health, and lameness. Lying time tends to increase with age and days in milk and during periods of ill health, whereas milk yield is negatively correlated with lying time. The effect of lameness is complicated by severity and by interactions with bedding type, which modifies the cows' ability to rise and lie down. Generally, lame cows suffer prolonged lying bouts of greater variability in length and take fewer bouts per day. Often this results in an overall increase in lying time. Thus, higher standards of cow comfort and improved cow health are not always reflected by longer lying times. Housing and management factors that influence resting behavior include the design of the resting area, access to the resting space, and the thermal microenvironment of the lying area. Provision of dry, deep loose bedding, stocking cows to allow each animal access to a resting space, allowing sufficient time to access the resting area, and providing heat abatement to reduce heat load optimize resting behavior. Because lameness and poor body condition are commonly found in culled dairy cattle, the link between cow comfort and culling is likely mediated through lameness onset and management. Optimal comfort helps prevent the onset of lameness and facilitates recovery once cows become lame, which limits the effect of lameness on feeding behavior and reduces the risk for other health-related disorders, poor reproductive performance, and early herd removal. Cow comfort cannot be assessed by measuring the duration of lying time alone. Rather, comfort is reflected by the optimization of resting behavior, providing facilities and management to allow cows to lie down when they choose to do so for as long as they need to.

Effects of acute lying and sleep deprivation on the behavior of lactating dairy cows

The objective was to determine the effects of sleep or lying deprivation on the behavior of dairy cows. Data were collected from 8 multi- and 4 primiparous cows (DIM = 199 ± 44 (mean ± SD); days pregnant = 77 ± 30). Using a crossover design, each cow experienced: 1) sleep deprivation implemented by noise or physical contact when their posture suggested sleep, and 2) lying deprivation imposed by a grid placed on the pen floor. One day before treatment (baseline), and treatment day (treatment) were followed by a 12-d washout period (with the first 7 d used to evaluate recovery). Study days were organized from 2100 to 2059. During habituation (d -3 and -2 before treatment), baseline (d -1), and trt (d 0), housing was individual boxstalls (mattress with no bedding). After treatment, cows returned to sand-bedded freestalls for a 7-d recovery period (d 1 to 7) where data on lying behaviors were collected. Following the recovery period, an additional 5-d period was provided to allow the cows a 12-d period between exposures to treatments. Daily lying time, number lying bouts, bout duration, and number of steps were recorded by dataloggers attached to the hind leg of cows throughout the study period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model including fixed effects of treatment (sleep deprivation vs. sleep and lying deprivation), day, and their interaction with significant main effects separated using a PDIFF statement (P ≤ 0.05). Interactions between treatment and day were detected for daily lying time and the number of bouts. Lying time was lower for both treatments during the treatment period compared to baseline. Lying time increased during the recovery period for both lying and sleep deprived cows. However, it took 4 d for the lying deprived cows to fully recover their lying time after treatment, whereas it took the sleep deprived cows 2 d for their lying time to return to baseline levels. Results suggest that both sleep and lying deprivation can have impact cow behavior. Management factors that limit freestall access likely reduce lying time and sleep, causing negative welfare implications for dairy cows.

Cow Lying Behaviour and Bedding Quality Changes during Five Weeks on a Stand-Off Pad

Simple Summary

New Zealand dairy farmers place cows in uncovered off-paddock facilities for a part (e.g., 18 h) of the day to reduce their impact on pasture during winter. Lying time is a key indicator of whether these hybrid pasture systems are meeting welfare requirements. While it is easy to measure lying time in a research setting using accelerometers, it is not yet common to measure it on farm, and more convenient indicators are needed. We investigated the lying behaviour of dairy cows as bedding quality deteriorated over a five-week period to determine what measures may be useful as farmer-friendly indicators of cow welfare. The daily lying time of the two groups of cows on bedding according to normal farm practice (NFP) declined over the five weeks and was significantly less than that of cows on fresh bedding during the last 10 days of the trial. The fresh woodchip bedding contained less than 65% moisture throughout the trial. By week 3 and week 4, the moisture content of the lying surface exceeded 75% for NFP Group 2 and Group1, respectively. A bedding moisture threshold of 75% assessed by a ‘gumboot score’ and cows lying rather than grazing when on pasture may be useful farmer-friendly indicators of cow welfare because of their relationship with reduced lying time.

Abstract

Bedding quality and cow lying time were measured during five weeks in a normal farm practice (NFP) off-paddock system with no bedding refreshment. Two groups of 100 non-lactating dairy cows were compared to groups of 8 cows with fresh bedding (FB). The cows were on a woodchip pad for 18 h/d at a space allowance of 5.4 m²/cow, with 6 h/d on pasture for 5 weeks. Lying times were recorded continuously for 60 cows per group using accelerometers. Bedding moisture content was measured weekly. Data for each NFP group were analysed and compared with those of their respective FB group using repeated measures. The lying time declined over five weeks from 11.6 h/day during the first week to 5.6 h/day during the fifth week (SED = 0.3; F_1,25 = 351.56; p < 0.001). The moisture content of the bedding increased over the five weeks and was significantly higher for both NFP groups (NFP Group 1: F_5,59 = 8.33; p < 0.001; NFP Group 2: F_5,61 = 5.54; p < 0.001) than those of the respective FB groups. The percentage of total time lying when in the paddock increased for the NFP groups, reaching 15% in the last week of the trial. During five weeks on a stand-off pad, bedding quality deteriorated, and cows lay down less, to such an extent that welfare was compromised.

Cow individual activity response to the accumulation of heat load duration

In the course of predicted climate change, the welfare of dairy cows and heat load to which they are exposed have become increasingly important even under moderate climate conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the cow individual activity response to heat load in terms of the heat load duration and intensity in lactating, high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows in a moderate climate zone. The study was conducted from June 2015 to April 2017 in a naturally ventilated barn in Brandenburg, Germany. The determined temperature-humidity index (THI) inside the barn was used to define the heat load. The heat load was characterized by the average daily THI as well as the duration and intensity of the defined THI levels. In addition to the heat load on the measurement day, we studied the cow individual activity response to the heat load accumulated over the three days preceding the measurement day. The activity of the cows (n = 196) was measured by accelerometers and described the resting behavior and the number of steps per cow and day. The analysis models included autocorrelations in time series as well as individual cow factors. An increase in the duration and intensity of heat load on the measurement day led to a decrease in the lying time and an increase in the number of steps. The cows showed a reduced activity response to heat load when there was additional heat load accumulation over the three days preceding the measurement day. The cows in an advanced stage of lactation were more sensitive to heat load than cows in the early lactation stage. Multiparous cows showed less pronounced activity responses than primiparous cows. Heat load accumulation and individual cow-related factors should be considered in prediction models for the sensitive animal-specific recognition of heat load on the basis of activity responses.

Indicators of resilience during the transition period in dairy cows: A case study

The transition period is a demanding phase in the life of dairy cows. Metabolic and infectious disorders frequently occur in the first weeks after calving. To identify cows that are less able to cope with the transition period, physiologic or behavioral signals acquired with sensors might be useful. However, it is not yet clear which signals or combination of signals and which signal properties are most informative with respect to disease severity after calving. Sensor data on activity and behavior measurements as well as rumen and ear temperature data from 22 dairy cows were collected during a period starting 2 wk before expected parturition until 6 wk after parturition. During this period, the health status of each cow was clinically scored daily. A total deficit score (TDS) was calculated based on the clinical assessment, summarizing disease length and intensity for each cow. Different sensor data properties recorded during the period before calving as well as the period after calving were tested as a predictor for TDS using univariate analysis of covariance. To select the model with the best combination of signals and signal properties, we quantified the prediction accuracy for TDS in a multivariate model. Prediction accuracy for TDS increased when sensors were combined, using static and dynamic signal properties. Statistically, the most optimal linear combination of predictors consisted of average eating time, variance of daily ear temperature, and regularity of daily behavior patterns in the dry period. Our research indicates that a combination of static and dynamic sensor data properties could be used as indicators of cow resilience.

Short communication: Milking order consistency of dairy cows in large Australian herds

We used on-farm records from dairy infrastructure to examine the consistency of the milking order over 150 d in 5 Australian dairy herds that were milking more than 500 cows as a single group. Within a single day the difference in milking order rank position was less than 20 percentage points for 72% of cows. The correlation coefficient comparing milking rank position in the morning and afternoon was 0.72, with the position of cows at the beginning and end of the milking order being more consistent than cows toward the middle of the milking order. Over a period of 150 d, cows with a mean position in the first and last 20% of the milking order maintained their position more consistently than cows in the middle of the milking order. Milking position of cows between one month and the next was highly correlated (r = 0.88). In large herds, subpopulations of cows are regularly milked toward the beginning and the end of the milking order. It is common for cows to be collected from the paddock as a group, to wait as a group in the dairy yard to be milked, and to return individually to the paddock or feed pad immediately after they have been milked. Thus, cows milked later in the milking order are likely to be away from the paddock for several hours longer than cows milked earlier in the milking order. This may affect their welfare though differences in time available for lying down, equality of pasture eaten, and time spent standing in the dairy yard.

Effect of high ambient temperature on behavior of sheep under semi-arid tropical environment

High environmental temperature is a major constraint in sheep production under semi-arid tropical environment. Behavior is the earliest indicator of animal's adaptation and responses to the environmental alteration. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of high ambient temperature on the behavior of sheep under a semi-arid tropical environment. The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks on 16 Malpura cross (Garole × Malpura × Malpura (GMM)) rams. The rams were divided equally into two groups, designated as C and T. The rams of C were kept in comfortable environmental conditions served as control. The rams of T were exposed to a different temperature at different hours of the day in a climatic chamber, to simulate a high environmental temperature of summer in semi-arid tropic. The behavioral observations were taken by direct instantaneous observation at 15-min intervals for each animal individually. The feeding, ruminating, standing, and lying behaviors were recorded twice a week from morning (0800 hours) to afternoon (1700 hours) for 6 weeks. Exposure of rams to high temperature (T) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the proportion of time spent in feeding during the observation period in most of the hours of the day as compared to the C. The proportion of time spent in rumination and lying was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the T group compared to the C. The animals of T spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in rumination in standing position as compared to the C. The overall proportion of time spent in standing, panting in each hour, and total panting time was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T as compared to the C. The result of the study indicates that the exposure of sheep to high ambient temperature severely modulates the behavior of sheep which is directed to circumvent the effect of the stressor.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING SYMPOSIUM: Optimizing outcome measures of welfare in dairy cattle assessment

In most countries producing milk, industry- or other stakeholder-driven initiatives are in place to improve welfare and overall dairy farming sustainability. Those initiatives typically include a system of verification of reaching targets and progress over time. Reliable indicators are a fundamental requirement to provide public assurance and allow improvement on farms. Assessing dairy cattle welfare through outcome measures of welfare is done today through visual evaluations, including those of lameness, injuries, hygiene, and body condition. Numerical scoring charts for visual evaluation have been validated, and training programs have been developed to achieve high repeatability of assessors. Sampling strategies have been validated to determine how many animals and how many days are required to obtain reliable estimates of prevalence. However, visual evaluations require long periods of data collection, and multiple visits on farm, along with repeated checks of assessors to ensure repeatability over time, are, in turn, very costly to implement. An attractive alternative is relying on automated measures as activity monitors are becoming common on commercial farms; among those, lying time retains the most attention. The use of herd lying time in both free-stall and tie-stall situations has been validated. Current research is looking at relationships between lying time and other outcome measures of welfare, as well as lying time and risk factors for welfare in the environment (e.g., poor stall configuration or hoof trimming routine). We are not quite yet ready to rely solely on lying time to assess welfare; however, activity monitoring could certainly contribute to early detection of health and welfare issues (e.g., frequency of visits to the robotic milking system). Another interesting avenue is the development of early outcome measures of welfare and, possibly, remote indicators, for example, performance data collected routinely in Dairy Herd Improvement agencies' databases. The rationale is that a herd with good health and high longevity should be at lower risk of poor welfare. Research is needed to identify predictors and their conditions of use, allowing us to discriminate good vs. poor welfare status, at both the individual and herd levels. Finally, milk samples are already collected routinely to check quality and safety. It would be convenient to be able to predict cow welfare status directly with the milk using biomarkers, but again, we are not there yet.

Do bells affect behaviour and heart rate variability in grazing dairy cows?

In alpine regions cows are often equipped with bells. The present study investigated the impact of wearing a bell on behaviour and heart rate variability in dairy cows. Nineteen non-lactating Brown-Swiss cows with bell experience were assigned to three different treatments. For 3 days each, cows were equipped with no bell (control), with a bell with inactivated clapper (silent bell) or with a functional bell (functional bell). The bells weighed 5.5 kg and had frequencies between 532 Hz and 2.8 kHz and amplitudes between 90 and 113 dB at a distance of 20 cm. Data were collected on either the first and third or on all 3 days of each treatment. Whereas duration of rumination was reduced with a functional bell and a silent bell compared with no bell, feeding duration was reduced with a silent bell and was intermediate with a functional bell. Head movements were reduced when wearing a silent bell compared with no bell and tended to be reduced when wearing a functional compared to no bell. With a functional bell, lying duration was reduced by almost 4 hours on the third day of treatment compared with the first day with a functional bell and compared with no bell or a silent bell. All additional behavioural measures are consistent with the hypothesis of a restriction in the behaviour of the cows wearing bells, although this pattern did not reach significance. There was no treatment effect on heart rate variability, suggesting that the bells did not affect vago-sympathetic balance. An effect of experimental day was found for only 1 out of 10 behavioural parameters, as shown by a decrease in lying with a functional bell on day 3. The results indicate behavioural changes in the cows wearing a bell over 3 days, without indication of habituation to the bell. Altogether, the behavioural changes suggest that the behaviour of the cows was disturbed by wearing a bell. If long-lasting, these effects may have implications for animal welfare.