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Temporal feed restriction and overstocking increase competition for feed by dairy cattle
L K M Collings1, D M Weary, N Chapinal
1Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Overstocking and limited feed access for dairy cows increase competition and reduce feeding time. Ensuring adequate space and feed access is crucial for minimizing bunk competition in group housing.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Cattle Management
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Dairy cows are often housed in overstocked conditions.
- "Slick bunk" management (0% orts) reduces feed costs but limits feed access time.
- These conditions can increase competition and negatively affect feeding behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of temporal and spatial restrictions on feeding and competitive behavior in group-housed dairy cows.
- To evaluate the impact of stocking density and feed access duration on dry matter intake, feeding time, and feeding rate.
Main Methods:
- Four treatment combinations were tested: 2 stocking levels (2:1 vs. 1:1 cows:feed bin) and 2 feed access times (14 vs. 24 hours/day).
- Eight groups of 6 cows each were subjected to each treatment for one week, using a replicated 4x4 Latin square design.
- Dry matter intake, feeding time, feeding rate, and displacements were measured and summarized.
Main Results:
- Restricted feed access did not reduce overall dry matter intake but decreased feeding time.
- Overstocked cows with restricted temporal access showed increased feeding rates, especially during peak periods.
- Combined overstocking and restricted temporal access significantly increased displacements, indicating heightened competition.
Conclusions:
- Adequate space and sufficient time to access feed are essential for dairy cows in indoor group housing.
- These factors are critical for minimizing feed bunk competition and ensuring normal feeding behavior.
- Overstocking combined with limited feed access exacerbates competition and displacement behaviors.
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