423. Some observations on the behaviour of dairy cattle with particular reference to grazing

Abstract

1. The behaviour of dairy cattle under normal commercial conditions of management was studied in two series of observations:(a) Four cows were observed continuously for 24 hr. on four occasions at approximately two-weekly intervals.(b) A herd (average fifty-two cows) was observed continuously for 24 hr. on twelve occasions at approximately monthly intervals.2. Under our conditions and within our definitions, the cows grazed 6–52 hr., lay down 9–22 hr. and loafed 8–26 hr. on an average during 24 hr.3. The cows ruminated 5–60 hr. per 24 hr.; 4–52 hr. when lying down and 1–08 hr. when loafing.4. On average the animals defaecated 1T6 times, urinated 9–8 times, and drank 3–8 times in 24 hr.5. One animal walked an average distance of 1–74 miles per 24 hr., excluding journeys to the cowshed.6. No aspect of grazing behaviour was found to be strongly related to either current milk yields or air temperature.7. When on ‘good’ pasture, as compared to ‘poor’, the animals grazed for a shorter time, walked less, and took fewer drinks.8. From the results of the herd observations a similar periodicity of behaviour during 24 hr. was observed throughout the year but was more apparent when environmental conditions were similar.9. When the herd was confined to 5 ft. concrete standings during the winter nights, the animals did not rest as comfortably as when out of doors.10. Major peaks of grazing or eating were recorded after each milking followed by periods of lying down, especially during the night.11. Time of sunset has been related to the time when grazing ceased and the herd lay down.12. In view of the data collected, tentative suggestions for improving grazing management are made.

A Study of the Intake of Drinking Water by Dairy Cows at Grass

“…This indicates again that temperature f)er se was not a major factor influencing water intake, and that rainfall and relative humidity were of greater importance. In view of the relatively low average intake of drinking water and the fact that grazed herbage contains about 80% water (Table 2), it is questionable whether a supply of water in the field is as important as is generally supposed (2,5). Cows at pasture drink, on average, about four times per day (2) and the intake of water can be at the rate of 0 26-0-45 kg/second (5,7).…”

“…In view of the relatively low average intake of drinking water and the fact that grazed herbage contains about 80% water (Table 2), it is questionable whether a supply of water in the field is as important as is generally supposed (2,5). Cows at pasture drink, on average, about four times per day (2) and the intake of water can be at the rate of 0 26-0-45 kg/second (5,7). With the exception of the period immediately after the p.m. milking, the times of drinking are flexible so that there could well be periods during the grazing season when all the drinking water needed by dairy cows could be obtained either in or near the cowshed at milking times.…”

Drinking frequency effects on the performance of cattle: a systematic review

“…Cattle in small paddocks (<15 ha) have been observed to drink multiple times per day. Lactating dairy cows ( Bos taurus ) in temperate climates drink 2–4 times per day, with an upper limit of 6–11 drinks per day (Castle et al., ; Campbell and Munford, ; Chiy et al., ). Similarly, growing B. taurus beef cattle in cool climates (temperate and continental) drink on average 4–7 times per day with a range of 3–11 drinks per day (Coimbra et al., ; Lardner et al., ).…”

Some Observations on the Behaviour and Hill‐pasture Utilization of Irish Cattle

“…The results of numerous studies have been summarized by Tribe (18,19) and more recently by Hafez (7). The majority of these studies were made on cattle grazing under restricted conditions within the confines of 'strip' or 'rotational' systems of farm management where choice of herbage and freedom of movement were severely limited (4,5,8,16,17,21,24).…”