The Feeding Behavior of Dairy Cows: Considerations to Improve Cow Welfare and Productivity

One of the primary objectives of dairy producers is to promote dry matter intake (DMI) to support milk production. Considerable research to date has focused on improving the DMI of lactating dairy cows by changing the nutrient composition of feeds. However, the DMI of group-housed lactating dairy cows is also affected by feeding behavior, which is modulated by the environment, management, health, and social interactions. For example, management practices such as overcrowding at the feed bunk, and feeding and milking times and frequencies may affect dairy cow feeding behavior, and the social status of each cow may influence her ability to gain access to feed at the time when she wants to eat. The opportunity for high producing dairy cows to eat whenever they want is important to maintain cow health, welfare and productivity, and ultimately profitability of the farm. Therefore, dairy producers can use knowledge of animal behavior to improve cow welfare and performance.