Grooming behaviour of domestic cattle

Grooming behaviour patterns of domestic cattle on pasture were studied by observation of a small herd of cross-bred cows, their single-suckling calves and a bull. The investigation was accomplished by means of description of directly observed patterns as well as description from SP8 cinematographic recordings. The observed grooming behaviour was classified in the following 8 patterns: Licking, scratching with hindhoof, scratching with horn, shaking, striking one part of the body against another part, rubbing, pawing, social grooming. It is assumed that one function of grooming behaviour may be a merely cleansing one. Another function may be related to the establishment and maintenance of the social structure in the herd.