Methodological terminology and definitions for research and discussion of cow-calf contact systems

Abstract

Due to increasing public concern regarding separation of the dairy cow and calf within the first days after birth, alternative systems, where cows and calves stay in contact for an extended period, are receiving increasing interest from a broad array of researchers and other stakeholders. With more research in the area, there is a risk of inconsistencies emerging in the use of terminology. To create a better consensus in further discussions, the aim of this Research Reflection is to provide definitions and propose a common terminology for cow-calf contact in dairy production. We also suggest definitions for various systems allowing cow-calf contact and describe the distinct phases of cow-calf contact systems.

Methodology for experimental and observational animal studies in cow-calf contact systems

“…After a period of CCC, separation typically cause stress responses in both cow and calf. The type of separation should be described in detail (Sirovnik et al ., 2020) as well as how and where the animals are kept after separation. Useful behavioural indicators in both cow and calves are frequency and type of vocalizations; high pitched (open mouth) is an especially valuable indicator of separation stress (Johnsen et al ., 2015c) or low pitched (closed mouth); pacing along barrier, time spent standing and gazing in the direction of the calf (cow) (Johnsen et al ., 2015a), with the head out of pen (Jensen et al ., 2019), resting in recumbent position or calf restlessness.…”

“…On the one hand, experimental studies may be used to investigate the causality of specific factors while on the other, observational studies are important to find associations and generate risk and success factors that can better reflect the complex on-farm situation where multiple factors interact. Independent of type, research on CCC should describe the milk-feeding, weaning and separation phases (Sirovnik et al ., 2020). We suggest definitions of measures of production, health and behaviour used in experimental and observation CCC studies in Table 1.…”

“…In barns with cow-driven automatic milking systems, different solutions for cow traffic might be tested, as well as the importance of resource distribution. Using selection gates for cows to access the calf will enable flexibility to test free, pre-milking and post-milking traffic in the same barn (Sirovnik et al ., 2020). Altering which resources that are shared between cow and calf may affect activity and movement within the system, as well as feed intake, milking frequency and resting patterns, making it crucial to clearly describe the traffic system.…”

“…between mother and infant) that lasts for a long time and survives temporary separation (Newberry and Swanson, 2008). We propose a functional definition of bond (Sirovnik et al ., 2020) taking in account behavioural indicators to decide when a dam-calf pair is ready to be introduced into the herd.…”

Introduction: special issue themed section on milk production with cow and calf together

“…We know of a range of projects, small and large, and are sure that there will be a rapid increase in scientific publications in the field within the next few years. It will help the field if some common standards are used and I therefore encourage anyone who is active in the ongoing projects, or planning new projects, to read and reflect on the three papers in this themed issue that propose terminology and methodology for Cow-Calf work (de Oliveira et al ., 2020; Ferneborg et al ., 2020; Knierim et al ., 2020; Sirovnik et al ., 2020). If we have common characteristics between studies then the chances of combining data for evaluating health, resilience and sustainability are much better.…”