The Effects of Restraint Using Self-Locking Stanchions on Dairy Cows in Relation to Behavior, Feed Intake, Physiological Parameters, Health, and Milk Yield

Abstract

Holstein cows (n = 64) ranging from peak to end lactation were restrained in self-locking stanchions (i.e., head locks) for approximately 4 h/d for four periods in a modified switchback design. Milk yield, milk fat percentage, somatic cell count, and dry matter intake and dry matter intake were unaffected by restraint. Milk protein percentage was significantly lower for cows that were restrained. Plasma cortisol concentrations and the ratio of neutrophils to mononuclear cells were not significantly different between restrained and unrestrained (control) cows. No difference in the incidence of mastitis or other health concerns was noted. Behaviorally, cows that were locked in the stanchions spent significantly more time lying after release from restraint. For cows that were locked up, eating frequency over 24 h was significantly reduced, but dry matter intake was not affected. Total rumination frequency over 24 h was not significantly different for cows that were restraubed; however, cows that were restrained ruminated less during the day following release. Grooming was considered to be a behavioral need and was significantly increased during all times when cows were not locked up. Grooming was also one of the first behaviors performed following release. Acts of aggression were elevated during all periods following restraint, but oral behaviors, such as tongue playing and chewing on objects, drinking behavior, and resting postures were not affected. The use of self-locking stanchions did not appear to affect substantially the overall well-being of the cow.

Suitability of cross-bred cows for organic farms based on cross-breeding effects on production and functional traits

“…The expected effect of this housing system on the performance of the animals, with regard to cross-breeding, is minimal for the analysed traits. Milk production does not differ in a loose housing systems compared with stanchion housing system (Heizer et al, 1953;Bolinger et al, 1997), and no effects were shown of locking up the cows on udder health (Bolinger et al, 1997). The cows still exhibit oestrus symptoms such as hyperemia, swelling of vulva, discharge of cervical mucus and bellowing (Takagi et al, 2005), and therefore, no effect on fertility is expected either.…”

Leite instável não-ácido e composição do leite de vacas Jersey sob restrição alimentar

“…Os resultados foram inferiores aos encontrados por Agenäs et al (2003), os quais submeteram 12 vacas primíparas a um período de 48 horas de privação total de alimento, e obtiveram 66% de redução na produção de leite. Entretanto, os resultados deste trabalho foram superiores aos encontrados por Bolinger et al (1997), que mantiveram 64 vacas Holandesas presas sem alimentação, durante quatro horas por dia, em períodos de sete dias, e não encontraram diferença na produção de leite. Provavelmente, na restrição executada por Tabela 2.…”

“…Bolinger et al (1997), as vacas compensaram a falta temporária de alimento com aumento do consumo nas horas de maior disponibilidade. Neste trabalho, os animais foram mantidos confinados, sem compensação do consumo em outro momento.…”

“…Embora mudanças nesses teores não tenham sido detectadas, o volume de leite e a quantidade total produzida de cada componente foram reduzidos com a restrição alimentar, por causa da diminuição na oferta de nutrientes. Bolinger et al (1997) observaram que a restrição de quatro horas por dia não afetou a porcentagem de gordura, a CCS e a ingestão de MS do grupo que sofreu restrição, entretanto houve redução no teor de proteína do leite desses animais. Segundo Peres (2001), entre os fatores que reduzem o teor de proteína no leite estão o baixo consumo de MS, falta de proteína degradável e falta de carboidratos não estruturais.…”

The effect of temporary deprivation of lying and feeding on the behaviour and production of lactating dairy cows

“…Depriving lactating dairy cows of opportunities for both feeding and lying will help to determine their priorities for these two behaviours. Bolinger et al (1997) found that although postdeprivation feeding frequency was reduced after 4 h deprivation of lying and feeding when cows were placed in restraint yokes, feed intake and milk yield were not affected. Plasma cortisol, neutrophil-to-mononuclear cells ratio and somatic cell count (SCC) were not affected by restraint, but grooming and agonistic behaviours were increased and there was increased lying post restraint.…”