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[Fodder flinging in cattle]
1Abteilung für Tierhaltung und Verhaltenskunde, Technischen Universität München, Weihenstephan.
Summary
Cattle fodder throwing, a behavior seen in Simmenthal and Brown Swiss breeds, is linked to housing systems and feeding times. This behavior may stem from a learned response to manage discomfort from the husbandry system.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Ethology
- Livestock management
Context:
- Fodder throwing in cattle is an undesirable behavior leading to waste and unsanitary conditions.
- Understanding the drivers of this behavior is crucial for improving animal welfare and farm efficiency.
Purpose:
- To investigate the factors influencing fodder throwing behavior in cattle.
- To compare fodder throwing frequency between Simmenthal and Brown Swiss breeds.
- To analyze the impact of different housing systems (medium-tie-stall vs. short-tie-stall) and feeding types (green fodder vs. grass silage) on this behavior.
Summary:
- Fodder throwing was observed across both breeds, housing systems, and age groups.
- Simmenthal cows exhibited higher fodder throwing rates in medium-tie-stalls compared to short-tie-stalls (16.8% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.01).
- The frequency of fodder throwing peaked early in the feeding period, and affected animals showed increased blinking, suggesting excitement.
Impact:
- The study suggests fodder throwing may not be a disorder but a learned behavior to alleviate itching caused by the husbandry system.
- Findings can inform adjustments in housing and feeding practices to mitigate undesirable behaviors and improve cattle welfare.