Lecture 28 Flashcards
Why is good animal handling important?
- To be able to move and restrain an animal without risk of injury to the animal, yourself or others:
* There were 15 cattle-related fatalities in Canada between 2011-2020 (2% of all agriculture-related fatalities).
* Surveys suggest that >13% farms have at least one cattle-related injury per year - To be able to apply the appropriate level of pressure and restraint:
* Calm animals are easier to handle.
* Reduced shrinkage at shipping, injuries and stress-related disorders
What is cows normal behaviour?
- Strong herding behaviour.
- As animals of prey, they look for the strength of the group.
- Calm movements, curious/attentive towards the surroundings.
- Assess the response elicited when approaching the cow
- Flight zone
- Withdrawal movements
- Prefer to be moved in group or keeping other cows on sight, not isolated
- tend to go back to the place they camefrom, routein is comfortable and reassuring
- when pressured or rushed, are easily startled and may flee
What tools are used to move animals and how do you use them?
- Paddle, sorting stick, flag to extend the length of one’s arm across an alley.
- Not to be used as items to hit, prod or touch the animals, they are merely an extension of a person’s reach.
- Electric prod are not to be used for the routine handling of animals.
- Forceful use of the tail (tail twist-negative reinforcement) that results in injury is considered abuse and is unacceptable.
Where is the point of balance on a cow?
The shoulder
What do cows not like/avoid?
- they dont like to bunch
- the black cave effect - refuse to enter a dark building
- avoid slip flooring
- might not move if there is new things in sight
what arer types of aggressive behaviours in cattle?
- Cattle use horns and head to charge. Kick with hind legs to the side.
- Territorial/Sex related
- Fear-induced: Confined or cornered animals that feel threatened.
- Maternal
- Organic origin: Irritable state elicited by a broad range of health issues (stress/frustration, pain, brain tumors).
- Mock fighting: Play behaviour to refine their motor skills.
- Instrumental Aggression (reinforced)
What are causes of aggression in cattle?
- Mixing of unfamiliar animals
- Competition over food
- Spatial factors and overcrowding
- Frustration, Fear, Pain
How do you recognize dangerous situations in cattle?
- Learn to read the body language:
- Ear positions
- Head and tail positions
- Pawing the ground
- Erratic movements
- Tail flicking
- Bellowing: Cattle that are very distressed will often bellow loudly
- Don’t put yourself in situations of risk (isolated animals, handling calves, animals in pain).
- Think of an exit route in advance.
what is the safe way to capture and contain a cow?
- Be patient, don’t rush.
- Work with another person
- Avoid quick movements & loud noises
- Plan an escape route
- Avoid leading cattle into an enclosed area such as a trailer
- Never wrap or tie a lead rope to yourself
what are affiliative behaviours in cattle?
Social interactions that function to reinforce
social bonds with a group or which are of mutual
benefit to all animals involved in the interaction.
* Allogrooming
* Allofeeding/Food sharing
* Behavioural synchrony
* Spatial proximity
What is feeding behaviour like in cattle?
- Feeding frequency: More deliveries, more stable consumption.
- Feed bunk management: ad libitum, clean bunk, restricted.
- Consistency of feeding: Irregular schedules (delays, health issues) may cause animals to ingest larger quantities of feed during a short time
- animals graze at faster rates when they know that the herbage available is limited
What is the cow male sexual behaviours?
Detection
* Flehmen sign – pheromones
* Investigate genital region, smelling.
Courtship
* Physical contact (kicks, headbutts, biting)
* Vocalizations
* Urination
* Salivation
Verification
* Mounting attempts
Mating/Coital behaviour (Service)
* Mounting & clasping
* Intercourse & Ejaculation
* Ruminants: 1-3 secs
What is the refractory period in cow males?
A period immediately following ejaculation during which the male is unresponsive to further stimulation
* Absolute: right after intercourse
* Relative: after a few minutes, during which exists the Coolidge effect: by changing the sexual stimuli, the male exhibits a renewed sexual interest and can engage again in sexual activities.
* Important measurement for male selection
What is the female cow proceptive behaviours?
Showing receptivity and invitation
* Pheromones (urine)
* Behaviours
- Increase physical activity: walking, sniffing, flehmen, head-butting, chasing, mounting, chin-resting
- Restlessness
- Decreased intake and milk production
- Vocalizations
What are female cow acceptive behaviours?
- Willingness to accept courtship and copulatory attempts
- Immobility: Most relevant sign of receptivity (in all species)
- Sign of standing heat – AI/bull protocol
