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The relationship between feed efficiency and behaviour differs between lactating Holstein and Jersey cows.

Vivi M Thorup1, Lene Munksgaard1, Marta Terré2

  • 1Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark.

The Journal of Dairy Research
|August 24, 2023
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Summary

High feed efficiency (FE) in dairy cows is linked to eating behavior and activity. Efficient Jersey cows were slower eaters and less active, unlike Holstein cows, suggesting breed-specific relationships.

Keywords:
Cow activityeating behaviourfeed conversion ratefeeding behaviour

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Dairy Production
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • High feed efficiency (FE) is crucial in dairy production to minimize costs and environmental impact.
  • Understanding the interplay between FE, eating behavior, and activity is vital but not well-established.
  • Dairy cows' productivity and environmental footprint are influenced by feed intake and energy utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between feed efficiency (FE) and specific eating behaviors and activity levels in dairy cows.
  • To compare these relationships across different breeds (Holstein and Jersey) and lactation stages.
  • To identify behavioral indicators associated with higher FE in dairy cattle.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 253 lactations of Holstein and Jersey cows in an automatic milking system.
  • Recorded feed intake behavior using automated feed troughs and activity using sensors (5-200 days in milk).
  • Employed mixed linear models to correlate FE with activity (steps, lying) and eating behavior traits across four lactation periods.

Main Results:

  • Individual-level correlations between FE and behavior were stronger in Jersey cows than in Holstein cows.
  • Eating rate showed a negative correlation with FE in both breeds, with efficient Jersey cows being slower eaters.
  • Physical activity was negatively correlated with FE in Jersey cows, but not significantly in Holstein cows.

Conclusions:

  • Eating rate is consistently negatively associated with FE throughout lactation in Jersey cows.
  • The relationship between FE, eating behavior, and activity differs between Holstein and Jersey breeds.
  • Breed-specific insights into cow behavior can inform strategies to improve feed efficiency in dairy production.