Improvements in the behaviour of Gir dairy cows after training with brushing

Abstract

The cow's behaviour and temperament influence handling and productivity. Training including tactile stimuli can improve zebu cow behaviour. The aim of the study was to utilize tactile stimulation training in Gir dairy cows during 14 days and measure cow behaviour. A total of 27 cows were brushed in a squeeze chute. Behavioural parameters, respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were evaluated. The temperature and humidity of the environment was recorded to calculate the temperature and humidity index (THI). The THI demonstrated that the environmental conditions did not induce thermal stress. All behavioural variables showed improvements with training over time. The 'calm' score increased throughout the training, corroborating the movement and displacement behavioural characteristics, regardless of the parturition order. Initially, 56.6% of the cows walked to exit a chute while others trotted or ran, and, at the end of the days of training, 96.0% of the cows exited the chute by walking. A decrease in the RT and RR was verified between the first to 7th and 14th day of training. Brushing training was effective in calming the animals and improving the interaction with humans, thereby enhancing the human animal relationship.

Habituation Protocols Improve Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Beef Cattle Exposed to Students in an Animal Handling Class

“…Although habituation effect was significant only in three (LAT_ENT, VAGT and BC) of all traits assessed, these results indicate that seven days of habituation (STI and CHU) is a useful tool to decrease reactivity of heifers and increase ease of handling in working and squeeze chutes. This is in agreement with results from others [ 2 ] that also indicated seven days of habituation would improve the ease of cattle movement through a handling facility and squeeze chute. Thus, our results reinforce previous findings showing the beneficial impact of positive reinforcement (STI) or just habituation to handling and facilities (CHU) on animal reactivity [ 2 , 12 , 23 ].…”

“…This is in agreement with results from others [ 2 ] that also indicated seven days of habituation would improve the ease of cattle movement through a handling facility and squeeze chute. Thus, our results reinforce previous findings showing the beneficial impact of positive reinforcement (STI) or just habituation to handling and facilities (CHU) on animal reactivity [ 2 , 12 , 23 ].…”

“…The greater decrease in velocity in STI treatment indicates that brushing was more effective in improving this trait and heifers were calmer on day 14 in comparison to day 1. Our findings are similar to others where 36% of beef cattle showed slower velocities (walking rather than running) after 14 days of chute habituation with brushing [2], indicating a reduced fear of handling and improved entry behavior. Furthermore, in other species latency to approach or move away are associated with temperament during handling and exposure to handling facilities [24,25].…”

“…Accordingly, the adoption of positive handling practices may prevent the animal from associating humans with a negative experience, especially when introduced at young age. Animals that experience a positive human-animal interaction earlier in life are prone to be less reactive and more accustomed to human handling [ 2 ]. Thus, habituating young animals could result in a long-term positive human-animal relationship [ 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Cattle that are infrequently handled, such as in teaching herds, show both behavioral and physiological stress responses to a handler. Previous research showed that a combination of brushing or stroking, a conversation, and affectionate gestures from humans directed to the animals results in positive animal behavior and also easier handling [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Such strategies could also be applied at educational institutions, safeguarding both animal productivity and animal welfare.…”