Effects of handling aids on calf behavior

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Livestock Management
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Handling aids are used to move livestock.
• Different calf rearing systems and breeds may influence responses to handling.
• Understanding calf behavior during handling is crucial for welfare and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of three handling aids (electric prod, oar with rattles, manual urging) on calf behavior.
• To compare responses across different calf groups (intensively-reared Holstein males, extensively-reared beef females, extensively-reared beef males).
• To assess behavioral changes related to handling aid application using approach tests.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of calves were subjected to one of three handling aid treatments in a chute system.
• Data collected included treatment applications, time in chute, and observed behaviors.
• Approach tests were conducted before and after handling to measure fear and avoidance behaviors.

Main Results:

• Electric prod (Prod) required fewer applications and resulted in more frequent movement and contact with chute sides compared to oar (Oar) or manual urging (Manual).
• Intensively-reared calves showed less fear during approach tests than extensively-reared calves, regardless of handling aid.
• A week after handling, the buzzing sound of the electric prod alone elicited movement in 13 of 15 previously prodded calves.

Conclusions:

• The electric prod (Prod) is an effective handling aid for moving calves, though it elicits more movement and contact.
• Calf rearing system significantly impacts fear responses, with intensively-reared calves being less fearful.
• The auditory cue of the electric prod (Prod) alone can condition calves for future movement.