University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Daniela Kottik
(2007):
Einfluss des Fütterungsregimes auf das Verhalten von Milchkühen.
Master / Diploma Thesis,
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 59.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- The aim was to investigate the influence of the feeding regime on the behaviour of dairy cows. A herd of 22 Holstein Friesian cows was randomly assigned to two groups (housed together in a loose housing system with cubicles) according to milk yield, day of lactation and lactation number. Data collection was carried out on feeding time, lying behaviour and rumination time. All animals were offered grass silage ad libitum. The treatment ration contained maize silage, the control diet was a blend of grain and maize and about 1 kg hay in addition. A change-over design was used with switch of rations between animals after the second data collection period. The grain-maize mixture fed animals spent significantly about 5 % more time feeding. However, total lying time per day tended to be 42 minutes longer for the animals offered the maize diet. There were no significant differences with regard to total dry matter intake and milk yield. Due to technical reasons rumination data could not reliably be used to interpret the results. The feeding regime did not influence the behaviour of dairy cows in such a way that negative effects on health, milk yield or animal welfare are expected.
- Beurteilende(r): Winckler Christoph