Behaviour of dairy heifers during adaptation to milking
K.J. Bremner
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Research Centre, AgResearch
Ruakura, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1997,
57: 105-108
Effects of prior handling on behaviour of heifers at milking was
studied in 42 Friesian heifers (reared on nurse cows, Herd A) and 36
monozygotic twins (calfeteria-reared, Herd B). Herd A heifers were
allocated to 3 treatments: No Handling (N) - no handling or parlour
experience; Limited Handling (L) - moved through the parlour during two
sessions; or Familiarised (F) - 14 sessions during which animals were
tamed, moved through the parlour and handled around the udder. Herd B
heifers were allocated to N or F only. Behaviour at various stages of
milking was observed during the first 14 milkings. Despite significant
variation between individuals, all Herd A heifers significantly
decreased moves and kicks from Period 1 (milkings 1 - 7) to Period 2
(milkings 8 - 14), and improved milk letdown but treatments were not
significantly different at the various stages of milkings. However in
Herd B, pre-milking handling and experience of the milking environment
consistently reduced the frequency of adverse responses by heifers at
most stages of milking.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
dairy heifers; milking behaviour; training; adaptation.
Last Updated 12-09-1998
