Effect of stocking density on the short-term behavioural responses of dairy cows

The objective of this research was to measure the effects of increased stocking density of stalls and headlocks on the short-term behavioural responses of lactating Holstein cows. Multiparous ( n =92) and primiparous ( n =44) cows were assigned to four pens of 34 cows each and stocking densities (100, 113, 131, or 142%) were imposed in a 4×4 Latin square design with 7-d periods. Stocking density was adjusted by altering access to free stalls and headlocks. Activity of the cows was recorded continuously with digital video cameras for the last 2d at each stocking density and time spent as well as mean percentage of cows engaged in lying, standing, and feeding at each 10min scan sample was determined. Mean percentage of cows feeding over a 24-h period was approximately 20.5% and cows spent approximately 5h/d feeding, but the percentage of cows feeding during the first 60min following return from the milking parlour declined ( P P P