Using gait score, walking speed, and lying behavior to detect hoof lesions in dairy cows
The objective was to determine whether changes in the different components of gait, walking speed, and lying behavior were associated with hoof pathologies in lactating Holstein cows. In experiment 1, 53 cows had their gait scored, their walking speed estimated, and their lying behavior monitored before clinical assessment of the hooves. Multiparous cows with ulcers […]
Effects of sawdust bedding dry matter on lying behavior of dairy cows: A dose-dependent response
The objective was to determine the effect of sawdust bedding dry matter on the lying behavior of Holstein cows. Dry matter (DM) was varied systematically over 5 treatment levels to test how cows respond to damp bedding. This experiment was repeated during summer and winter to test if the effects of damp bedding varied with […]
Vocalisation of domestic pigs () as an indicator for their adaptation towards ambient temperatures
It was tested whether the vocalisation of pigs can be used to assess their adaptability to ambient temperatures. It was hypothesised that the proportion of high-frequency vocalisation, indicating discomfort, would increase with behavioural reactions to both low and high ambient temperatures and that this relationship is modified by the weight of pigs. In addition, the […]
On-farm assessment of the lying behaviour of finishing bulls kept in housing systems with different floor qualities
Several studies have shown that finishing bulls kept in housing systems with fully slatted concrete floors are impaired in their lying behaviour and locomotion due to the hardness and slipperiness of the ground. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of floor quality (straw-bedded lying area, rubber-coated slats, concrete slats) on the […]
Quantitative assessment of the effects of space allowance, group size and floor characteristics on the lying behaviour of growing-finishing pigs
To obtain quantitative information that can be later used in animal welfare modelling, the relationship between the lying behaviour of growing-finishing pigs (initial body weight (BW) between 19 and 87 kg) and different factors related to the housing conditions, with a potential negative effect on their welfare, was studied by means of a meta-analytical approach. […]
Using automated image analysis in pig behavioural research: Assessment of the influence of enrichment substrate provision on lying behaviour
Visual monitoring of pig behaviours over long periods is very time consuming and has possibility for observer bias. Automated image processing techniques now give the potential to carry out behavioural research in a more effective way. To illustrate this, an image processing technique was applied to identify whether any changes in pig lying behaviour which […]