[Elimination of fodder tossing by cattle through anti-fodder tossing devices]

In tie-up stalls and occasionally in other husbandry systems, some cattle toss their fodder with mouth, ridge of nose, or horn in the direction of their trunk. This behaviour is responsible for fodder losses, dirtying of the barn, and the gaps of the stable floors are often blocked and so loose their function. There are devices commercially available which are supposed to eliminate this fodder flinging. Two of these devices were tested, each on 20 cows. The number of throwing moments was reduced by these devices. The reduction occured not only for the time during which the devices had been fastened to the heads of the animals, but also for ten days subsequent to that. However, in spite of this, considerable doubt is being expressed. The reasons for fodder flinging have never been sufficiently cleared. It is feasible that it is a learned behaviour to combat itchiness under conditions which do not permit sufficient grooming of the skin required by the species. For reasons of animal welfare, before a--doubtlessly disturbing--behaviour is done away with, first of all the underlying reasons should be resolved.