Performance and Behavioural Responses of Group Housed Dairy Calves to Two Different Weaning Methods.

ABSTRACT: The weaning of dairy calves is a significant stressor which can impact on calf performance and welfare. However, many traditional methods of assessing the effects of stressors can be invasive and impractical for farmers. This study aimed to use a combination of non-invasive monitoring technologies alongside traditional measures of calf performance to examine the impact of two contrasting weaning methods commonly used on dairy farms in the United Kingdom. Ninety group-housed Holstein Friesian calves were allocated to one of two weaning methods: (i) gradual weaning (GW) with volume of milk replacer (MR) stepping down from 36 days of age and complete withdrawal of MR at 57 days of age and (ii) abrupt weaning (AW) with consistent daily volume of milk replacer and complete withdrawal of MR at 5

SUBMITTER: Scoley G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6912208 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature