Studies in the behaviour of dairy cows at pasture

Abstract

The behaviour of grazing dairy cows was studied under commercial conditions in a series of ten observations covering two grazing seasons. In all cases one Ayrshire cow in milk was under observation for a period of 24 hours commencing at 2.30 p.m. and the times of milking were 6.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.o(1)The average time spent grazing was 7 hours and approximately 61/4 hours were spent chewing cud.(2)The average figures indicated that 42% of the grazing time took place during the “day” inter-milking period and 58% during the “night” period.(3)The grazing time appeared to be correlated with the length and dampness of the herbage and the milk yield.(4)The time spent chewing cud appeared to be correlated with a low moisture content and a high proportion of fibre in the herbage consumed.(5)In warm weather the cows preferred to graze during the cooler periods in the morning and evening, and to rest during period of high temperatures.(6)The cows drank water on one, two or three occasions during 24 hours.(7)The cows had five grazing cycles during 24 hours and the time between cycles was occupied by chewing cud and resting.(8)Grazing was independent of change of light and some grazing took place during the hours of darkness, particularly in spring and autumn.(9)The cows first ate the tips of grass leaves before starting on the remainder of the shoots.(10)When dual grazing is practised there is likely to be a transference of fertility from the “day” to the “night” paddock. The average time spent grazing was 7 hours and approximately 61/4 hours were spent chewing cud. The average figures indicated that 42% of the grazing time took place during the “day” inter-milking period and 58% during the “night” period. The grazing time appeared to be correlated with the length and dampness of the herbage and the milk yield. The time spent chewing cud appeared to be correlated with a low moisture content and a high proportion of fibre in the herbage consumed. In warm weather the cows preferred to graze during the cooler periods in the morning and evening, and to rest during period of high temperatures. The cows drank water on one, two or three occasions during 24 hours. The cows had five grazing cycles during 24 hours and the time between cycles was occupied by chewing cud and resting. Grazing was independent of change of light and some grazing took place during the hours of darkness, particularly in spring and autumn. The cows first ate the tips of grass leaves before starting on the remainder of the shoots. When dual grazing is practised there is likely to be a transference of fertility from the “day” to the “night” paddock.