Shelter preference and behavior of dairy cows managed outdoors during calving in temperate winter conditions

This study aimed to assess the preference and use of an artificial shelter in dairy cows managed outdoors at calving during winter. We also evaluated whether this preference would be influenced by weather conditions (rain, air temperature, or wind) or the time of the day at calving. Two weeks before their expected calving date, 18 cows were paired based on body weight, body condition score, parity, and expected calving date. Each pair was assigned to an open paddock (42 m²/cow) with a bare soil surface, high mud content, and access to an artificial shelter until calving. The shelter consisted of a 6 × 3 m metal structure, with 3 sides covered with zinc sheets, a polycarbonate roof, and a thick layer of dry sawdust covering the ground surface. Shelter use and cow behavior inside it (lying and sleeping) were continuously recorded via video and analyzed using continuous observation. Observations were divided into 2 periods: the day before calving (24 to 48 h before calving) and the day of calving (24 h before calving until calving). Ninety-four percent (15/16) of the cows preferred to calve inside the artificial shelter, and this preference was not affected by the time of day or weather conditions. Regardless of the day of study (the day before calving or the day of calving), cows spent approximately 64% of their daily time inside the shelter, and once inside, they spent most of the time lying down. Our findings indicate dairy cows prefer using an artificial shelter as a calving and lying place, suggesting that opportunities for protection should be provided when they are managed outdoors in muddy paddock conditions.