In calves housed in pairs or groups, cross suckling following milk feeding increases the likelihood of them continuing to do this after weaning and can be seen as poor animal welfare, whereas play behaviour is regarded as positive animal welfare, explained Jean Margerison, professor in ruminant nutrition at the University of Nottingham.听
A study carried out by the university aimed to see what effect offering calves enrichment in the form of manila rope or straw immediately after milk feeding had on cross sucking, oral and play behaviour, growth rate and feed intake.
Calves were housed either in pairs or individually and offered either no environmental enrichment, manila rope
for one hour, straw in the morning or straw in morning and evening, after feeding.听
Behaviour
Behaviour was recorded and growth rate and feed and water intakes were measured.
Offering manila rope did not alter cross sucking, non-nutritive straw engagement or nutritive behaviour and stimulated play behaviour similar to giving straw in the morning.听
Providing straw after both feeds resulted in no cross sucking and the greatest play behaviour, with giving straw just in the morning, having a lesser effect.
Enrichment had no effect on growth rates or feed intake.
Prof Margerison said: "The study clearly showed that offering calves fresh straw immediately after milk feeding encouraged them to explore the straw and stimulated play behaviour resulting in no cross sucking and increased nutritive oral behaviour.
"This will improve the welfare of the calves, potentially making them more resilient to stress and change.
"There were no added bedding or labour costs as the same amount of straw was still being used, just being given at different times."
