University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Britta Hofer
(2011):
Schwierigkeiten bei der Handhabung von Rindern in Mutterkuhbetrieben
Situation und Einflussfaktoren.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Nutztierwissenschaften (NUWI),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 100.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- The aim of this study was to investigate difficulties in cattle handling in cow-calf herds focusing on the actual situation and potential influencing factors. For this purpose, a questionnaire on handling and management conditions was handed out to 300 farmers with cow-calf herds in Upper Austria (return rate=35 %). Additionally, 16 farms were visited (8 farms each with - according to the statements of the farmers – a very low level and a very high level of problems, respectively). During these farm visits the behavior of the farmers towards their animals and the avoidance distance of the mother cows in the feeding rack were assessed. Furthermore a pre-structured interview was performed and finally, all people working with the cows on the farm were asked to fill in an attitude questionnaire. The farms showed a high variability. About half of the farmers (total n=93) stated problems when handling beef cattle and they reported difficulties in handling bulls or cows which protect their calves after calving. The only parameter where a significant difference was found (regarding the results of the questionnaire) was the access of cattle to pasture. In problem farms, cattle are more often kept only on pastures (during the vegetation period), whereas in farms without problems cattle have free access to pasture but are additionally fed. Data from the farm visits revealed a significant difference only with regard to attitudes related to negative characteristics of cattle. The farms with problems attributed more negative characteristics to cattle than the farms without problems. Problem farms and farms without problems differed numerically but not significantly in several further parameters. In conclusion, a considerable proportion of farmers reported problems in handling cattle. One of the most important influencing factors seems to be the attitudes of the stock people. These results and the experiences made during this study served as the basis for the preparation of consultancy documents.
- Beurteilende(r): Winckler Christoph