Journal Article

Influence of milk yield, stage of lactation, and body condition on dairy cattle lying behaviour measured using an automated activity monitoring sensor

Eicher, Susan D, Einstein, Mark E, Boyce, Robert E, Bewley, Jeffrey M, Munksgaard, Lene, Hockin, Jeremy, Schutz, Michael M

2010

Overview

Time spent lying by lactating Holstein-Friesian cows of varying body condition scores (BCS) and milk yield was measured using an animal activity monitor. A 3-week average BCS was calculated for each cow; and in total, 84 cows were selected with 28 cows each among three BCS categories (Thin: BCS<2·75; Moderate: 2·75 >or= BCS<3·25; Heavy: BCS >or= 3·25) and two stage of lactation categories (<150 days in milk or >150 days in milk). Cows were kept in two management systems: parlour/freestall (n=60) or automated milking system/freestall (n=24). Behaviour was recorded for 5·3±0·1 d for each cow. Production levels were considered using a 28-d rolling average of daily milk production. Cows that exhibited clinical lameness before or during the observation period were excluded from analyses. For cows exhibiting oestrus, the day prior to, day of, and day following breeding were removed. The final analysis included 77 cows (408 d of observation). A mixed model was fitted to describe average daily hours spent lying. Results demonstrated that lying time increased as days in milk (DIM) increased (P=0·05). Variables that were tested but not significant (P>0·05) were BCS category, parity category (1 or >or= 2) and 28-d rolling average daily milk production. Although a numerical trend for increasing hours spent lying with increasing BCS was observed, after accounting for other factors in the mixed model, BCS did not significantly impact lying time. Continued investigation of these management factors that impact lying time and bouts, using new technologies, more cows, and more herds will help dairy owners better manage facilities and cow movements to optimize this essential behaviour.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Activity monitor / animal behavior / Animal productions / Animals / automated activity monitoring sensor / automatic detection / automatic recording / Behavior, Animal / Behavior, Animal - physiology / Biological and medical sciences / Body Composition / Body Composition - physiology / body condition / Cattle / Cattle - physiology / Dairy cattle / Electrical Equipment and Supplies / Electrical Equipment and Supplies - veterinary / Female / Food industries / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / Lactation / Lactation - physiology / lactation stage / lying behavior / lying behaviour / Milk and cheese industries. Ice creams / Milk production / milk yield / monitoring / Movement / Parity / physical activity / physiology / posture / Posture - physiology / Precision Dairy Farming technology / Pregnancy / sensors / Terrestrial animal productions / Thinness / Time Factors / Vertebrates / veterinary