Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny
A. D. Fisher A C and J. R. Webster B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Vic. 3030, Australia.
B AgResearch Ltd, Ruakura Research Centre, East Street, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
C Corresponding author. Email: adfisher@unimelb.edu.au
Animal Production Science 53(9) 924-930 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN12276
Submitted: 6 August 2012 Accepted: 24 February 2013 Published: 9 April 2013
Abstract
Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.
Additional keywords: animal welfare, body condition, intensification.
References
Alawneh JI, Laven RA, Stevenson MA (2011) The effect of lameness on the fertility of dairy cattle in a seasonally breeding pasture-based system. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 5487–5493.| The effect of lameness on the fertility of dairy cattle in a seasonally breeding pasture-based system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhtl2qsL3J&md5=b741deed1f2601fee9525e525b6edd72CAS | 22032371PubMed |
Alawneh JI, Stevenson MA, Williamson NB, Lopez-Villalobos N, Otley T (2012) The effect of clinical lameness on liveweight in a seasonally calving, pasture-fed dairy herd. Journal of Dairy Science 95, 663–669.
| The effect of clinical lameness on liveweight in a seasonally calving, pasture-fed dairy herd.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XhsFSnsbo%3D&md5=6f69a8631bc91c04d947fb0b04d7b0b2CAS | 22281331PubMed |
Arnold NA, Verkerk GA, Gregory R, Matthews LR (2009) Identification of potential impacts of New Zealand dairy housing systems on dairy cow welfare. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 69, 54–56.
Auldist MJ, Grainger C, Macmillan KL, Marett LC, Hannah M, Leury BJ, Wales WJ (2011) Feed conversion efficiency and marginal milk production responses of pasture-fed dairy cows offered supplementary grain during an extended lactation. Animal Production Science 51, 204–209.
| Feed conversion efficiency and marginal milk production responses of pasture-fed dairy cows offered supplementary grain during an extended lactation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXisl2rt7k%3D&md5=ac47d312b8c072bd03d6c0fb4e784707CAS |
Beukes PC Thorrold BS Wastney ME Glassey CB Burke CR van Bysterveldt AM (2005 )
Breuer K, Hemsworth PH, Barnett JL, Matthews LR, Coleman GJ (2000) Behavioural response to humans and the productivity of commercial dairy cows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 66, 273–288.
| Behavioural response to humans and the productivity of commercial dairy cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 10700627PubMed |
Breuer K, Hemsworth PH, Coleman GJ (2003) The effect of positive or negative handling on the behavioural and physiological responses of nonlactating heifers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 84, 3–22.
| The effect of positive or negative handling on the behavioural and physiological responses of nonlactating heifers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chesterton RN, Pfeiffer DU, Morris RS, Tanner CM (1989) Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds – a case-control study. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 37, 135–142.
| Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds – a case-control study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2MzntlCltw%3D%3D&md5=78d8ddae66e90d69e33f647274b75a06CAS | 16031547PubMed |
Chesterton RN, Lawrence KE, Laven RA (2008) A descriptive analysis of the foot lesions identified during veterinary treatment for lameness on dairy farms in north Taranaki. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56, 130–138.
| A descriptive analysis of the foot lesions identified during veterinary treatment for lameness on dairy farms in north Taranaki.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1czntVKrtQ%3D%3D&md5=efeb94efdc9581d1c272d4afc35d73b4CAS | 18536772PubMed |
Doyle PT, Stockdale CR, Wales WJ, Walker GP, Heard JW (2001) Limits to and optimising of milk production and composition from pastures. In ‘Recent advances in animal nutrition in Australia’. (Ed. J Corbett) pp. 9–17.
Fisher AD, Verkerk GA, Morrow CJ, Matthews LR (2002) The effects of feed restriction and lying deprivation on pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in lactating cows. Livestock Production Science 73, 255–263.
| The effects of feed restriction and lying deprivation on pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in lactating cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fisher AD, Stewart M, Verkerk GA, Morrow CJ, Matthews LR (2003) The effects of surface type on lying behaviour and stress responses of dairy cows during periodic weather-induced removal from pasture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 81, 1–11.
| The effects of surface type on lying behaviour and stress responses of dairy cows during periodic weather-induced removal from pasture.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fisher AD, Roberts N, Bluett SJ, Verkerk GA, Matthews LR (2008) Effects of shade provision on the behaviour, body temperature and milk production of grazing dairy cows during a New Zealand summer. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 51, 99–105.
| Effects of shade provision on the behaviour, body temperature and milk production of grazing dairy cows during a New Zealand summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gregory NG, Taylor OD (2002) Dairy cow preference for a soft track surface. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 50, 83
| Dairy cow preference for a soft track surface.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2MznsVWgtg%3D%3D&md5=60a0dcbe07931975e3d944e99a89b0deCAS | 16032216PubMed |
Hetti Arachchige AD, Jongman EC, Wales WJ, Fisher AD, Auldist MJ (2012) Time budget of early lactating dairy cows in feeding systems based on total mixed ration fed in conjunction with reduced grazed pasture. In ‘Proceedings of the 29th biennial conference of the Australian Society of Animal Production’. (Eds MA Friend, GL Krebs) p. 63.
Kendall PE, Nielsen PP, Webster JR, Verkerk GA, Littlejohn RP, Matthews LR (2006) The effects of providing shade to lactating dairy cows in a temperate climate. Livestock Science 103, 148–157.
| The effects of providing shade to lactating dairy cows in a temperate climate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kendall PE, Verkerk GA, Webster JR, Tucker CB (2007) Sprinklers and shade cool cows and reduce insect-avoidance behavior in pasture-based dairy systems. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 3671–3680.
| Sprinklers and shade cool cows and reduce insect-avoidance behavior in pasture-based dairy systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXot1OltL8%3D&md5=7da4691c83915c08f0dd476a9ededda5CAS | 17638978PubMed |
Laven RA, Holmes CW (2008) A review of the potential impact of increased use of housing on the health and welfare of dairy cattle in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56, 151–157.
| A review of the potential impact of increased use of housing on the health and welfare of dairy cattle in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1crgvV2qsg%3D%3D&md5=fcaf2bba1aa2393d622ac3291d04d0a1CAS | 18690250PubMed |
Laven RA, Lawrence KE, Weston JF, Dowson KR, Stafford KJ (2008) Assessment of the duration of the pain response associated with lameness in dairy cows, and the influence of treatment. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56, 210–217.
| Assessment of the duration of the pain response associated with lameness in dairy cows, and the influence of treatment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtlWrtb3K&md5=cfb13f628176ea66e68eee6ff62da935CAS | 18836500PubMed |
Lawrence KE, Chesterton RN, Laven RA (2011) Further investigation of lameness in cows at pasture: an analysis of the lesions found in, and some possible risk factors associated with, lame New Zealand dairy cattle requiring veterinary treatment. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 2794–2805.
| Further investigation of lameness in cows at pasture: an analysis of the lesions found in, and some possible risk factors associated with, lame New Zealand dairy cattle requiring veterinary treatment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXnvFCgtbw%3D&md5=bff0ef985601eba824cfc635e38d113fCAS | 21605749PubMed |
Lean IJ, Westwood CT, Playford MC (2008) Livestock disease threats associated with intensification of pastoral dairy farming. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56, 261–269.
| Livestock disease threats associated with intensification of pastoral dairy farming.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19043462PubMed |
MacDiarmid SC (1983) Induction of parturition in cattle using corticosteroids: a review. Part 1. Reasons for induction, mechanisms of induction, and preparations used. Animal Breeding Abstracts 51, 403–419.
Macmillan KL (2010) Recent advances in the synchronization of estrus and ovulation in dairy cows. The Journal of Reproduction and Development 56, S42–S47.
| Recent advances in the synchronization of estrus and ovulation in dairy cows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20629216PubMed |
Mansell PD, Cameron AR, Taylor DP, Malmo J (2006) Induction of parturition in dairy cattle and its effects on health and subsequent lactation and reproductive performance. Australian Veterinary Journal 84, 312–316.
| Induction of parturition in dairy cattle and its effects on health and subsequent lactation and reproductive performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD28rjtl2ntw%3D%3D&md5=fec436c6201050f771292128477fa4eaCAS | 16958626PubMed |
Matthews LR, Cameron C, Sheahan AJ, Kolver ES, Roche JR (2012) Associations among dairy cow body condition and welfare-associated behavioral traits. Journal of Dairy Science 95, 2595–2601.
| Associations among dairy cow body condition and welfare-associated behavioral traits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XlvFylsL4%3D&md5=c5bbd658c87f6951168c7647b0d4c74bCAS | 22541488PubMed |
McLeod KLM, Clark CEF, Glassey CB, Gregorini P, Costall DA, Betteridge K, Jago JG (2009) Strategically reducing time on pasture: dairy cow intake, production, welfare, and excretory behaviour. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 69, 15–19.
Moran J, McDonald S (2010) ‘Feedpads for grazing dairy cows.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne)
Morrow CJ, Kolver ES, Verkerk GA, Matthews LR (2000) Urinary corticosteroids: an indicator of stress in dairy cattle. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 60, 218–221.
Morrow CJ, Kolver ES, Verkerk GA, Matthews LR (2002) Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of adrenal activity in dairy cattle. General and Comparative Endocrinology 126, 229–241.
| Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of adrenal activity in dairy cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XjvFOgurc%3D&md5=613a17c65ae5c7d7a9d93b8c25680d91CAS | 12030779PubMed |
Prayaga KC (2007) Genetic options to replace dehorning in beef cattle – a review. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 58, 1–8.
| Genetic options to replace dehorning in beef cattle – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Pyman MF, Macmillan KL (2010) A summary of the recent and current research that shows the contrasting ‘capacities’ of the modern Holstein-Friesian. Cattle Practice 18, 114–122.
Roche JR, Friggens NC, Kay JK, Fisher MW, Stafford KJ, Berry DP (2009) Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare. Journal of Dairy Science 92, 5769–5801.
| Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsFWisbbN&md5=045ac5f213e8015d8442389365cf142fCAS | 19923585PubMed |
Schaefer AL, Cook NJ, Bench C, Chabot JB, Colyn J, Liu T, Okine EK, Stewart M, Webster JR (2012) The non-invasive and automated detection of bovine respiratory disease onset in receiver calves using infrared thermography. Research in Veterinary Science 93, 928–935.
| The non-invasive and automated detection of bovine respiratory disease onset in receiver calves using infrared thermography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC38zntFKitg%3D%3D&md5=672a9a658efd50027b4adab15bf7c59fCAS | 22055252PubMed |
Schütz K, Davison D, Matthews L (2006) Do different levels of moderate feed deprivation in dairy cows affect feeding motivation? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 101, 253–263.
| Do different levels of moderate feed deprivation in dairy cows affect feeding motivation?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schütz KE, Clark KV, Cox NR, Matthews LR, Tucker CB (2010) Responses to short-term exposure to simulated rain and wind by dairy cattle: time budgets, shelter use, body temperature and feed intake. Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 19, 375–383.
Schütz KE, Rogers AR, Cox NR, Webster JR, Tucker CB (2011) Dairy cattle prefer shade over sprinklers: effects on behavior and physiology. Journal of Dairy Science 94, 273–283.
| Dairy cattle prefer shade over sprinklers: effects on behavior and physiology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21183037PubMed |
Schütz KE, Hawke M, Waas JR, McLeay LM, Bokkers EAM, van Reenen CG, Webster JR, Stewart M (2012) Effects of human handling during early rearing on the behaviour of dairy calves. Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 21, 19–26.
Stafford KJ, Gregory NG (2008) Implications of intensification of pastoral animal production on animal welfare. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56, 274–280.
| Implications of intensification of pastoral animal production on animal welfare.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19043464PubMed |
Stafford KJ, Mellor DJ (2005) Dehorning and disbudding distress and its alleviation in calves. Veterinary Journal (London, England) 169, 337–349.
| Dehorning and disbudding distress and its alleviation in calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2M3hsFWjtw%3D%3D&md5=f8b0d9a7a9132bd2db11fa27b2acb3b6CAS |
Stewart M, Fisher AD, Verkerk GA, Matthews LR (2002) Winter dairy grazing systems: management practices and cow comfort. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 62, 44–48.
Stewart M, Webster JR, Schaefer AL, Cook NJ, Scott SL (2005) Infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool to study animal welfare. Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 14, 319–325.
Stewart M, Stookey JM, Stafford KJ, Tucker CB, Rogers AR, Dowling SK, Verkerk GA, Schaefer AL, Webster JR (2009) Effects of local anesthetic and a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug on pain responses of dairy calves to hot-iron dehorning. Journal of Dairy Science 92, 1512–1519.
| Effects of local anesthetic and a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug on pain responses of dairy calves to hot-iron dehorning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXjvFamt74%3D&md5=789b83712148bb7f0de6ac67903de23aCAS | 19307632PubMed |
Tucker CB, Verkerk GA, Small BH, Tarbotton IS, Webster JR (2005) Animal welfare in large dairy herds: a survey of current practices. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 65, 127–131.
Tucker CB, Rogers AR, Verkerk GA, Kendall PE, Webster JR, Matthews LR (2007) Effects of shelter and body condition on the behaviour and physiology of dairy cattle in winter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 105, 1–13.
| Effects of shelter and body condition on the behaviour and physiology of dairy cattle in winter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tucker CB, Rogers AR, Schütz KE (2008) Effect of solar radiation on dairy cattle behaviour, use of shade and body temperature in a pasture-based system. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 109, 141–154.
| Effect of solar radiation on dairy cattle behaviour, use of shade and body temperature in a pasture-based system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wales WJ, Doyle PT, Stockdale CR, Dellow DW (1999) Effects of variations in herbage mass, allowance, and level of supplement on nutrient intake and milk production of dairy cows in spring and summer. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 39, 119–130.
| Effects of variations in herbage mass, allowance, and level of supplement on nutrient intake and milk production of dairy cows in spring and summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Webster JR, Stewart M, Rogers AR, Verkerk GA (2008) Assessment of welfare from physiological and behavioural responses of New Zealand dairy cows exposed to cold and wet conditions. Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 17, 19–26.
Whay HR, Waterman AE, Webster AJF, O’Brien JK (1998) The influence of lesion type on the duration of hyperalgesia associated with hindlimb lameness in dairy cattle. Veterinary Journal (London, England) 156, 23–29.
| The influence of lesion type on the duration of hyperalgesia associated with hindlimb lameness in dairy cattle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK1czls1yktQ%3D%3D&md5=b039bc203e624cb510fc881327990c8dCAS |
