Behavior of lactating dairy cows during total confinement

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Dairy Cattle Management

Background:

• Confined housing systems for dairy cows can potentially alter natural behaviors.
• Understanding behavioral patterns is crucial for animal welfare and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the daytime activity patterns of lactating Holstein cows under prolonged total confinement.
• To compare the observed behaviors with those of less confined or pastured dairy cows.

Main Methods:

• Continuous observation of four lactating Holstein cows over 14 weeks using closed-circuit television.
• Recording of activities including eating, drinking, resting, ruminating, and socializing via an event recorder.
• Analysis of activity distribution during a 15-hour daytime period.

Main Results:

• Cows spent an average of 45% of daytime lying, 26% eating, and 22% ruminating.
• Eating predominantly occurred while standing (98.4%), whereas rumination was mainly observed while lying (59%).
• Activity patterns, including peaks after feeding and rest periods in the afternoon, mirrored those of pastured cows.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged total confinement did not prevent lactating Holstein cows from exhibiting typical behavioral durations and distributions.
• Dairy cows in confinement can maintain behavioral patterns characteristic of less restricted environments.
• The study highlights the adaptability of dairy cows' behavior to housing systems.