n The Dairy Mail - How to read your cows : production

Abstract

Cow behaviour has become an important tool in dairy cow management. Veterinarians use deviations from normal behaviour as a diagnostic tool to determine the health status and welfare of cows. Animal scientists use the behaviour of dairy cows to evaluate production systems. As milkyield and cow welfare is negatively affected by environmental stressors, dairy farmers should also know the natural behaviour of cows and how to spot a problem.