Precalving behavior in dairy cattle with different calving times

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Behavioral Biology

Background:

• Accurate prediction of calving time in dairy cattle is crucial for minimizing calving-related complications and reducing labor for animal caretakers.
• Understanding pre-calving behaviors can lead to improved animal welfare and management practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of predicting calving time in Holstein cows by analyzing their behavior in the seven days preceding parturition.
• To identify specific behavioral indicators associated with morning versus evening calving.

Main Methods:

• Behavioral observation of eleven Holstein cows for seven days prior to calving, categorized into Morning and Evening Parturition Groups.
• Analysis of daily behavior occurrences, behavioral switching frequency (day and night), and behavioral sequences using statistical methods, adjacency matrices, and Interpretive Structural Modeling.

Main Results:

• Feeding and exploratory behaviors were identified as significant indicators associated with the calving period.
• The Evening Parturition Group exhibited a more defined behavioral sequence pattern compared to the Morning Parturition Group, which showed less distinct patterns.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral analysis, particularly feeding and exploratory activities, shows promise for predicting dairy cattle calving time.
• An unstable behavioral sequence pattern may serve as a predictive marker for the impending calving period, aiding in management decisions.