The effect of stocking density and a blind on the behavior of Holstein dairy cattle in group maternity pens. Part I: Calving location, locomotion, and separation behavior

In a more natural setting, dairy cows separate from herdmates and seek secluded area to give birth. However, on many facilities, calve in barren group pens with limited space, which may limit their ability perform these behaviors. The objective of this study was determine the effect stocking density provision blind (a single-sided solid partition) bedded pack maternity behavior cattle. included 4 experimental treatments: (1) high (7.7–12.9 m2 lying space/cow) blind, (2) low (15.4–25.8 m2) (3) without (4) blind. We analyzed treatments locomotor separation as well use during 24 h before calving. A total 127 primiparous heifers 247 multiparous were housed 16 mixed-parity groups (4 per treatment) approximately 3 wk immediately after Locomotor increased 2 calving regardless treatment but most Additionally, performed locomotion than cows. Animals distance other beginning had greater compared those pens. penmates More animals calved pen that contained same respective areas did not contain These results suggest periparturient cattle are motivated seclusion at calving, impede do so. Providing additional space benefit by facilitating