Preference and usage of pasture versus free-stall housing by lactating dairy cattle
The aim of the current study was to assess if cows preferred pasture or indoor housing, and how diurnal and environmental factors affected this preference. Lactating dairy cows (n = 5 groups, each containing 5 cows) were sequentially housed either in a free-stall barn on pasture, or given the choice between the 2 environments. Each […]
Importance of the wasting syndrome complex in captive moose (Alces alces)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10059.abs We conducted a survey on the causes of moose (Alces alces) deaths at 19 European moose facilities. The age at death was recorded for 205 moose, and the cause of death for 131 adult animals. The “wasting syndrome complex” (WSC) [Shochat et al., 1997] was the single most important mortality factor in adult […]
Protective behaviour of Konik horses in response to insect harassment
The natural protective behaviour displayed by Konik Polski horses against flies was investigated. The factors considered were age (adults versus foals), management system (forest reserve versus pasture), weather conditions and type of horse activity. Twenty-five Konik Polski adults and 18 foals were observed between 0800 and 2000h during two summer seasons (2000 and 2001). Individual […]
Preference of domestic rabbits for grass or coarse mix feeds
The motivation of juvenile rabbits to graze was tested by offering a choice of coarse mix or grass as rewards to rabbits fed a nutritionally adequate diet of carrots and hay. Before measuring the motivation of the 16 rabbits, eight were offered access to grass for 16 days and the remaining eight were kept in […]
Preference of beef cattle for feedlot or pasture environments
Abstract Intensive feedlot finishing is perceived to affect welfare because cattle cannot perform normal behaviours evident in pasture environments. The objective of this study was to determine cattle preference for spending time at pasture (5 ha) or in a feedlot (25 × 10 m) under pastures with differing feed on offer; high (3900 kg DM/ha) […]
Effect of feed allowance at pasture on lying behaviour and locomotory ability of dairy cows
In temperate climates where cows are primarily managed at pasture shortages of grass could result in nutritional deficits for the cow and thus pose a challenge to her welfare. This study investigated the effect of daily herbage allowance (DHA) on dairy cow lying behaviour, locomotory ability, and some aspects of hoof health. Ninety-six cows were […]
On-farm Qualitative Behaviour Assessment of dairy goats in different housing conditions
This study reports the results of the first investigation on the use of Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) in dairy goats, using a fixed-list of descriptors specifically developed for this species. It aimed to verify whether QBA can be reliably used by observers with different backgrounds to differentiate between the emotional states of goats kept under […]
Applying animal-based welfare assessments on New Zealand dairy farms: feasibility and a comparison with United Kingdom data
AIMS: To assess the feasibility of applying animal-based welfare assessments developed for use in Europe on New Zealand dairy farms; in particular, to identify measures which could be evaluated during a single visit at milking time alongside whole herd locomotion scoring. METHODS: A protocol for animal welfare assessment, developed in the United Kingdom (UK), was […]
Validation of scan sampling techniques for behavioural observations of pastured lambs
The study of farm animal behaviour is a critical tool for assessing animal welfare. Collecting behavioural data with continuous sampling or short scan sampling intervals (eg every 60th second) is considered ideal as this provides the most complete and accurate dataset; however, these methods are also time and labour intensive. Longer sampling intervals provide an […]
The behaviour of housed dairy cattle with and without pasture access: A review
With more dairy cows being housed indoors, for at least part of the year, it is important to understand how housing impacts on ‘normal behaviour’ and the implications for cow welfare. For cows on pasture, nutritional requirements and climatic conditions are the major concerns, whilst indoor housing systems can restrict natural behaviours and reduce health […]