Relationship between stepping and kicking behavior and milking management in dairy cattle herds

We studied the relationship between behaviour during milking with milking parlor management, measuring the occurrence of steps and kicks, and cow-relatedfactors. We also investigated the link between stepping and kicking during milking and udder health. A total of 2,903 direct observations of milking behavior were collected in 44 dairy herds in the north of Portugal. The results showed great variability in the occurrence of stepping and kicking among herds during milking. Mixed linear and logistic regression models for factors associated with stepping and kicking were developed.

Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 27, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: J.O.L. Cerqueira, J.P.P. Ara újo, I. Blanco-Penedo, J. Cantalapiedra, J.T. Sorensen, J.J.R. Niza-Ribeiro Source Type: research