Conference proceedings article
How much space do horned dairy cows need in the waiting area?
Publication Details
Authors: | Zipp, K.; Brandt, S.; Irrgang, N.; Knierim, U. |
Editor: | Rahmann, Gerold; Godinho, Denise |
Publisher: | vTi |
Place: | Hamburg |
Publication year: | 2012 |
Pages range : | 188-190 |
Book title: | Tackling the future challenges of organic animal husbandry. 2nd Organic Animal Husbandry Conference Hamburg, Trenthorst, 12-14 September 2012 |
Title of series: | Landbauforschung - vTI Agriculture and Forestry Research |
Volume number: | Sonderheft 362 |
Abstract
The influence of three difference space allowances in the waiting area of the milking parlour (4.0, 2.5, 1.7 m²/cow) on the number of physical agonistic interactions (‘attacks') per minute in this place, number of flinches, steps and kicks (FSK) per minute in the parlour and heart rate (HR) in both areas was investigated in 12 lower and 12 higher ranking focal cows in a research herd of 85-87 horned German Black Pied cattle. Social position had no influence on HR and behaviour. HR in the waiting area and parlour and FSK increased with decreasing space allowance. HR was significantly higher in V1.7 than in the other two pen sizes, FSK in V1.7 compared to V4.0. ‘Attacks' occurred fewest in V2.5 with a significant difference compared to V1.7. Thus, in terms of animal welfare and milker's working comfort a space allowance of 1.7 m²/horned cow in the waiting area is not advisable. Major benefits of V4.0 were not detected under the given conditions.
The influence of three difference space allowances in the waiting area of the milking parlour (4.0, 2.5, 1.7 m²/cow) on the number of physical agonistic interactions (‘attacks') per minute in this place, number of flinches, steps and kicks (FSK) per minute in the parlour and heart rate (HR) in both areas was investigated in 12 lower and 12 higher ranking focal cows in a research herd of 85-87 horned German Black Pied cattle. Social position had no influence on HR and behaviour. HR in the waiting area and parlour and FSK increased with decreasing space allowance. HR was significantly higher in V1.7 than in the other two pen sizes, FSK in V1.7 compared to V4.0. ‘Attacks' occurred fewest in V2.5 with a significant difference compared to V1.7. Thus, in terms of animal welfare and milker's working comfort a space allowance of 1.7 m²/horned cow in the waiting area is not advisable. Major benefits of V4.0 were not detected under the given conditions.
Keywords
agonistic behaviour, animal welfare, heart rate, milking parlour
