Shelter preference and behavior of dairy cows managed outdoors during calving in temperate winter conditions

TL;DR

Dairy cows prefer to calve in artificial shelters even in bad winter weather, using them mainly to lie down.

Contribution

Shows that cows prefer artificial shelters for calving regardless of weather or time of day.

Findings

94% of cows preferred to calve inside the artificial shelter.

Cows spent about 64% of their time inside the shelter.

Cows used the shelter mainly for lying down.

Abstract

Summary In pasture-based systems in temperate regions, dairy cows frequently calve exposed to inclement winter weather and muddy conditions underfoot, but it remains unclear whether cows prefer access to shelter at calving and the factors that affect their preferences. We assessed the preference and use of an artificial shelter for cows close to calving. Most cows preferred calving inside the artificial shelter, regardless of weather conditions (rain, temperature, humidity, or wind) or whether it was night or daytime. Cows also spent a considerable portion of the day inside the artificial shelter, using it mainly for lying, both on the day before calving and the day of calving. This study shows evidence that outdoor-managed dairy cows use the shelter to seek a dry surface as calving approaches.

Summary In pasture-based systems in temperate regions, dairy cows frequently calve exposed to inclement winter weather and muddy conditions underfoot, but it remains unclear whether cows prefer access to shelter at calving and the factors that affect their preferences. We assessed the preference and use of an artificial shelter for cows close to calving. Most cows preferred calving inside the artificial shelter, regardless of weather conditions (rain, temperature, humidity, or wind) or whether it was night or daytime. Cows also spent a considerable portion of the day inside the artificial shelter, using it mainly for lying, both on the day before calving and the day of calving. This study shows evidence that outdoor-managed dairy cows use the shelter to seek a dry surface as calving approaches.

•Most cows preferred to use the artificial shelters to calve.•Cows spent more than 60% of the day inside the artificial shelter.•Cows used the artificial shelter mainly to lie down.

Most cows preferred to use the artificial shelters to calve.

Cows spent more than 60% of the day inside the artificial shelter.

Cows used the artificial shelter mainly to lie down.

This study aimed to assess the preference and use of an artificial shelter in dairy cows managed outdoors at calving during winter. We also evaluated whether this preference would be influenced by weather conditions (rain, air temperature, or wind) or the time of the day at calving. Two weeks before their expected calving date, 18 cows were paired based on body weight, body condition score, parity, and expected calving date. Each pair was assigned to an open paddock (42 m2/cow) with a bare soil surface, high mud content, and access to an artificial shelter until calving. The shelter consisted of a 6 × 3 m metal structure, with 3 sides covered with zinc sheets, a polycarbonate roof, and a thick layer of dry sawdust covering the ground surface. Shelter use and cow behavior inside it (lying and sleeping) were continuously recorded via video and analyzed using continuous observation. Observations were divided into 2 periods: the day before calving (24 to 48 h before calving) and the day of calving (24 h before calving until calving). Ninety-four percent (15/16) of the cows preferred to calve inside the artificial shelter, and this preference was not affected by the time of day or weather conditions. Regardless of the day of study (the day before calving or the day of calving), cows spent approximately 64% of their daily time inside the shelter, and once inside, they spent most of the time lying down. Our findings indicate dairy cows prefer using an artificial shelter as a calving and lying place, suggesting that opportunities for protection should be provided when they are managed outdoors in muddy paddock conditions.

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