Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Use of a Calving Blind That Imitates a Natural Environment. |
| Authors: |
Olsen, Hannah E.1 (AUTHOR) hannah.olsen@my.uwrf.edu, Vogel, Kurt D.1 (AUTHOR), Creutzinger, Kate C.1 (AUTHOR) katherine.creutzinger@uwrf.edu |
| Source: |
Animals (2076-2615). Apr2024, Vol. 14 Issue 8, p1171. 11p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*HEIFERS, *DAIRY cattle, *COWS, *SOLITUDE, *CATTLE, *VIDEO recording |
| Abstract: |
Simple Summary: Dairy cows seek seclusion at calving, but calving facilities typically do not provide them resources to do so. This study aimed to create a secluded environment in a group calving pen that mimicked natural features by providing cows with partial or no visibility to the larger pen. Approximately half the cows in the study calved in a blind. We also observed that cows spent time in a blind at times other than during calving. These results show that providing a varied environment can provide cows with increased choice over their environment, which can potentially improve their welfare. Many indoor-housed cows isolate at calving when given the opportunity, and calving behaviors vary by blind and pen design. The objectives of this study were to determine if cows preferred calving in a visibly separated (blind) or an open area of a group maternity pen, and if there was a preference for the degree of seclusion provided by the blind (50% vs. 100% coverage). Two calving blinds were provided in a group calving pen, and the amount of visibility through the blinds was created using firehoses secured from the top of a metal frame that lined the entire front of the blind (100%) or with every other hose rolled up (50%). Holstein cows and heifers (n = 79) were enrolled into a dynamic group calving pen 21 ± 3 d before calving. Calving location, the difference in blind use prior to calving compared to a baseline period, and social behaviors were recorded using video observation. There was no difference in the number of cows that calved in or outside of a blind (28 vs. 37 calvings, respectively). Cows were more likely to calve in a blind during the day than at night and as the number of cows in the pen increased. For cows who calved in a blind, there was no preference for calving in the 50% or 100% blind (10 vs. 18, respectively). Providing a varied environment for intensively managed cattle can improve their welfare by allowing cows the opportunity to perform natural behaviors and choice over their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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