The effect of group housing on behaviour, growth performance, and health of dairy calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect housing system on behaviour, performance, and health dairy calves. two-year conducted 56 Holstein bull calves (from birth 60 days age) that were placed in individual hutches immediately after their birth. At age 31 days, 28 moved group by four. weighed at birth, 30 age. starter intake recorded once a day. behavioural activities (lying, standing cross-sucking, etc.) analysed 24-h cycles 38 53 results showed group-housed spent less time lying resting ( P < 0.01) more 0.01), receiving 0.05), drinking cross-sucking social playing compared individually housed Conversely, from licking surfaces 0.05) 0.05). Bull day achieved non-significantly higher body weight weaning (by +3.0 kg), gain +2.8 significantly +7.9 kg) These small groups allowed for natural behaviour improved growth without having adverse effects health.