Effects of udder edema on parlor behavior in first- and second-lactation Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

Udder edema (UE) is a metabolic disorder that most commonly occurs around the transition period. However, there are gaps in our knowledge about its effects on parlor behavior. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and effects UE has on behavior in the milking parlor during udder preparation and active milking from 2 to 9 DIM in first (FL) and second lactation (SL) Holstein dairy cattle. Each cow (n = 375) was observed once and monitored from the point of first contact during udder preparation through the first 5 min of active milking. Behavior measurements include step, kick, and kicking off the milking unit (KOU). Cows were determined to have UE when the rear udder medial suspensory ligament lost definition and was softened due to the presence of interstitial fluid. In this study, 237/247 (95.6%) FL cows and 104/128 (81.3%) SL cows presented with UE. First lactation cows with UE had a higher step rate (3.97 steps/session) when in contact during udder preparation and attachment (2.80 steps/session), and kick rate during milking (2.68 kicks/milking session) when compared with SL cows with UE (2.37 steps/session, 1.25 steps/session, 1.24 kicks/milking session). FL cows with UE had a lower step rate during milking (6.04 steps/milking session) compared with FL cows without UE (7.20 steps/milking session). FL cows with UE had a higher average KOU count (μ = 0.220 kick-offs) than SL cows with UE (μ = 0.029 kick-offs) and FL cows without UE (μ = 0.091 kick-offs). The results indicate that UE is prevalent among dairy cattle, and the disorder has effects on behaviors presented in the milking parlor. Reducing UE has the potential to decrease step and kick behavior to improve welfare of transition cows and reduce risk to dairy caretakers in the milking parlor.