Investigating cow?calf contact in cow-driven systems: behaviour of the dairy cow and calf
نویسندگان
چکیده
Abstract Research is needed on how technology can facilitate cow?calf contact (CCC). This research communication describes the behaviour of dairy pairs in two cow-driven CCC-systems differing cows' access to calves through computer-controlled gates (smart gates, SG). Specifically, cow traffic SG when visiting their calves, allogrooming, suckling and cross-suckling, eating resting finally vocal response separation were assessed. After 3 d an individual calving pen, ( n = 8) moved CCC compartment with a area, calf creep meeting area. During next 31 could suckle cows whenever they visited area (suckling phase). Cows had free (group 1, 4 pairs) or restricted based previous activity automatic milking system 2, pairs). SG's controlled between which resources such as feed, cubicles, system. Following phase into was gradually decreased over 9 (separation phase, paid frequent short visits calves. Pairs spent total approximately one h/d allogrooming. However, duration frequencies these events varied among groups, did separation. Restricted ? performed more (unrewarded) attempts visit who cross-suckled more. Collectively, may have been intuitive welfare friendly. Although low sample size limits interpretation beyond description enabling hypothesis formulation for future research, results indicate that motivated her calf, albeit SG, thus facilitating particular behaviours cow-calf are highly motivated.
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ژورنال
عنوان ژورنال: Journal of Dairy Research
سال: 2021
ISSN: ['0022-0299', '1469-7629']
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022029921000194