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How do cattle respond to sloped floors? An investigation using behavior and electromyograms
1Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis 95616.
Journal of Dairy Science
|March 12, 2014
Summary
Dairy cow flooring slope did not affect muscle activity or restless behavior. This study shows electromyography can measure leg muscle activity, useful for assessing cow comfort during prolonged standing.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Sloped flooring is common on dairy farms for drainage.
- Sloped floors are a potential risk factor for dairy cattle lameness.
- Limited research exists on the effects of floor slope on dairy cattle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term effects of floor slope on dairy cattle.
- To assess skeletal muscle activity, restless behavior, and latency to lie down.
- To determine if floor slope influences muscle fatigue and overall comfort.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen Holstein cows were tested on floors with 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% slopes.
- Electromyography measured middle gluteal and biceps femoris muscle activity (static and dynamic).
- Restless behavior (steps), milking parlor activity, and latency to lie down were recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in restless behavior, muscle fatigue, or latency to lie down were found across slopes.
- Median power frequency differed significantly between middle gluteal and biceps femoris muscles.
- Muscle activity and steps per minute increased significantly over 90 minutes of standing, regardless of slope.
Conclusions:
- Floor slope did not impact short-term muscle activity or behavior in this study.
- Electromyography is a viable tool for measuring skeletal muscle activity in cattle.
- This technology can aid in assessing cow comfort in scenarios involving prolonged standing.
