Comparing weaning methods in dairy calves with different dam-contact levels

Allowing the dam to rear her calf is an alternative practice in dairy industry where cow and may gain welfare benefits from performing natural highly motivated behaviors. However, this system has been linked increased separation weaning response. Reducing daily dam-calf-contact time be a way prepare for separation. The first aim of present study was investigate effect 8 weeks half-day on calves' response separation, compared with calves reared whole-day artificially reared, group-housed control unrestricted access milk 20 min twice daily. Weaning off can viewed as 2 independent stressors. By introducing each stressor separately, it possible reduce overall behavioral second one-week fence-line before permanent conducted 3x2 factorial design dam-contact treatments: “Whole-day,” “Half-day” “Control” treatments “Simultaneous” “Stepwise.” Whole-day were separated their dams during milking while Half-day afternoon until next morning milking. Simultaneous done wk 9, Stepwise started being weaned 9. Data collected 69 data summarized over analysis. reduced number high-pitched vocalizations activity dam-reared calves, having little impact calves. There no difference between but expected, reacted more strongly than group. This also reflected average BW week after weaning, Control higher gains Whole-day, intermediate. did not fully wane within observation period (0–48 h interventions). In conclusion, summed dam-calf contact detected regards