Automatic feeding of dairy cows: factors affecting the timing of the cows' visits to the feeding station

Abstract

Despite pioneer studies by psychologists on the behaviour of large domestic animals, in the 48 years to 1975 only 80 sheep, 33 cattle and 31 pig studies had been indexed in Psychological Abstracts. The studies of species-specific behaviour patterns are particularly relevant with the increasing intensification of animal farming. Monozygotic cattle twins collected annually at some research centres provide unique material for psychologists with an interest in early experience. With the co-operation of animal science departments, psychologists could easily set up operant chambers for large animals to study their reactions to various environmental parameters. Ontogenetic studies of the development of female—offspring and male—female bonds and the effect of population density on social behaviour need further study. Psychologists could assist with studies of the sensory capacities of farm animals, and with their experience to date could pioneer stereotaxic studies with the large domestic species. Animal Science departments should insist on using the skills of psychologists wherever they are available.