Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.33128/s.77.1-2.3
Estimation of temperament of dairy cows by response to a novel object
Peter Juhás
orcid.org/0000-0002-2546-3680
; Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Department of Animal Husbandry, Nitra, Slovakia
Klára Vavrišínová
; Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Department of Animal Husbandry, Nitra, Slovakia
Jaroslav Dóbi
; Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Department of Animal Husbandry, Nitra, Slovakia
Peter Strapák
orcid.org/0000-0002-6219-0618
; Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Department of Animal Husbandry, Nitra, Slovakia
Abstract
The presented study aims to develop on farm test temperament in dairy cattle based on individual differences in behavior during approaching the novel object. The novel object was a red cycling light. Behavior traits (duration of walking and standing at stops) were recorded from the video records as well as numeric modifier (distance of stop). Individual differences in the behavior were evaluated by differences in duration of approaching the novel object. Due to differences in walking speed in the cows the corrected duration of approaching (CDA) was calculated from real duration of approaching the novel object, number of stops and 1st stop distance. A group of 53 tested cows was split into 4 distinctive clusters. Members of cluster 1 had calm type of temperament, cluster had 28 members, median CDA was 28 s (min 11 s, max 53 s). Members of cluster 2 had curious type of temperament, cluster had 14 members, median CDA was 87 s (min 58 s, max 121 s). Members of cluster 3 had vigilant type of temperament, cluster had 9 members, median CDA was 155 s (min 132 s, max 250 s). Members of cluster 4 had fearful type of temperament, and cluster had only 2 members, median CDA was 460 s (min 439 s, max 482 s). Results showed the possibility of on farm temperament type measure by simple test. Testing discovered inappropriate type of temperament in 2 of tested dairy cows with higher risks of problem with habituation to novel objects or during manipulation.
Keywords
dairy cattle; novel object; on farm; temperament; test
Hrčak ID:
304137
URI
Publication date:
19.6.2023.
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