Validating the use of pen scores to capture behaviors expressed by cattle unrestrained in a pen.

ABSTRACT: Many subjective methods exist to assist producers in evaluating temperament. Use of a pen test, which allows behavior to be observed in a nonrestrained setting, may be an effective method to evaluate temperament by allowing more variation among animals to be expressed as compared to a restrained test. The objective of this study was to analyze video recordings of penned calves to determine whether the repertoire of behaviors they expressed was adequately captured by their individual pen score (IPS) and group pen score (GPS). In each of 3 yr, 40 predominantly Angus commercial Bos taurus heifers, 2-wk postweaning , were assessed monthly in 3 consecutive months (recording periods). After routine handling through a weigh crate and squeeze chute, each heifer was released individually into a pen

SUBMITTER: Parham JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11912831 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature