Investigating cow−calf contact in a cow-driven system: performance of cow and calf

Abstract

In this research communication we describe the performance of dairy cow−calf pairs in two cow-driven CCC-systems differing in cows' access to the calves through computer-controlled access gates (smart gates, SG). We investigated cows' machine milk yield in the automatic milking system (AMS), calf growth, and intake of supplemental milk and concentrate. Two groups each with four cow-calf pairs were housed in a system with a cow area, a calf creep and a meeting area. SG's controlled cow traffic between the meeting area and the cow area where cows could obtain feed, cubicles and the AMS. Calves had ad libitum access to supplemental milk and concentrate. During the suckling phase of 31 d, cow access to the meeting area was free 24 h/d (group 1) or restricted (group 2) based on milking permission. Following the suckling phase, cow access was gradually decreased over 9 d (separation phase). During the suckling phase, cows' machine milk yield (mean ± sd) in the AMS was 11.4 ± 6.38 kg/d. In the separation phase, the yield increased to 25.0 ± 10.37 kg/d. Calf average daily gain (ADG) was high during the suckling phase: 1.2 ± 0.74 kg. During the separation phase, ADG decreased to 0.4 ± 0.72 kg which may be related to a low intake of supplemental milk. Calves' concentrate intake increased with age, and all calves consumed >1 kg/d after separation. We conclude that cows nurse the calf in a cow-directed CCC system well resulting in high ADG, and AMS milk yields were, at least, partially maintained during the suckling phase. Although the AMS yields increased in response to separation, calf ADG was decreased. A low sample size limits interpretation beyond description but provides a basis for hypotheses regarding future research into CCC-systems.

IDF Animal Health Report

“…At separation, a gradual decrease of cow access can be facilitated which may alleviate cow-calf stress and accommodate calf nutritional independence. Please find the first results of our studies here: (10,11,12).…”

Comparing the effects of contact duration on cow and calf performance beyond separation - a prospective cohort study

“…However, one must consider that measurements were taken monthly, and many calves had a contact duration of less than a month. It is widely acknowledged that calves suffer from growth checks when both separated and weaned simultaneously [ 13 , 20 ], and when separated but transitioned to artificial milk rearing during [ 42 ] or immediately after [ 43 ] separation. In the present study, one herd practiced abrupt separation from the dam and simultaneous weaning, while the other two herds practiced abrupt separation with a transition to artificial milk rearing.…”

“…In the present study, one herd practiced abrupt separation from the dam and simultaneous weaning, while the other two herds practiced abrupt separation with a transition to artificial milk rearing. Training calves to suckle from an artificial teat after a period of natural suckling is known to be challenging [ 42 , 44 ]. While it is unknown whether the farmers encountered this challenge, it is reasonable to assume that they may have faced difficulties.…”

“…More frequent measurements during this critical phase would have offered a more comprehensive understanding of these early dynamics, which can potentially affect later growth potential. However, multiple previous studies have indeed identified such growth checks at separation in CCC systems [ 20 , 21 , 42 ], consequently the objective of the present study was not to delve into this aspect, but to compare growth beyond separation.…”

Comparing the effects of contact duration on cow and calf performance beyond separation - a prospective cohort study

“…However, one must consider that measurements were taken monthly, and many calves had a contact duration of less than a month. It is widely acknowledged that calves suffer from weight checks when both separated and weaned simultaneously [13,20], and when separated but transitioned to arti cial milk rearing during [40] or immediately after [41] separation. In the present study, one herd practiced abrupt separation from the dam and simultaneous weaning, while the other two herds practiced abrupt separation with a transition to arti cial milk rearing.…”