Co-Authors:
Steensels, M., Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan, Israel, Division Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30 - bus 2456, Heverlee, Belgium
Bahr, C., Division Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30 - bus 2456, Heverlee, Belgium
Berckmans, D., Division Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30 - bus 2456, Heverlee, Belgium
Halachmi, I., Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Antler, A., Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Maltz, E., Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to analyse behaviour variables of healthy cows during transition time in relation to age, environmental conditions and production performance to serve as a 'baseline' for diversions that indicate welfare or health problems. The trial was conducted from 2007 to 2010 in three commercial dairy farms and included 210 healthy multiparous cows during the first 28 days after calving. Lying time increases significantly with age and is significantly higher in winter than in summer. Positive and negative correlations between milk production and lying time are strongly affected by calving season, in opposite proportions between summer and winter.