dairy
Investigating empathy in dairy calves
Recent research conducted at the University of British Columbia’s Animal Welfare Program has investigated empathy in dairy calves. In this study, published in PLoS ONE, calves witnessed two ‘demonstrators’ pen mates recover from different procedures: one from a common painful surgery (disbudding, which is the prevention of horn growth by cauterisation) and the other from […]
Can skin parasites increase cows’ motivation to use a grooming device?
Results of a recent Animal Welfare Program study suggest a reduction in brush use after the elimination of parasites in cows affected by chorioptic mange. Highlights: Cows with mange are motivated to access a mechanical brush Mechanical brush use by cows with mange declines after application of an anti-parasitic drug Cows retain a baseline level […]
Moo-dy Cows: In new research, Professor Marina von Keyserlingk finds dairy cattle undergo personality changes during puberty
Got a moody teenager? Cows can relate! While cattle’s personality traits are distinct and consistent at a young age and during adulthood, that isn’t the case during puberty. Researchers from the Animal Welfare Program in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems conducted the long-term study to understand the development and stability of personality traits […]
Animal welfare research asks, when is the best time to pair-house calves?
Research from the Animal Welfare Program published in Progressive Dairy explores the best time to pair-house calves. The answer? As soon as possible. The research identified that early pair housing increases solid feed intake and weight gains in dairy calves. Read more
Research investigates public perceptions toward gene modification in dairy cattle
New research from the Animal Welfare Program looked into public perceptions toward genetic modification in dairy cattle. Specifically, the research team used a mixed method approach to investigate if citizens’ attitudes differed depending on the application. In addition, participants were told that the modification was done for different reasons, including improved animal welfare, farm profits, […]
What Difference Does a Visit Make? Changes in Animal Welfare Perceptions after Interested Citizens Tour a Dairy Farm
The UBC study on animal welfare perceptions following a dairy centre tour is amongst the top 10% most cited PLOS ONE papers published in 2016. Read full article Abstract Citizens’ concerns about farm animal welfare are often dismissed on the assumption that they are not well informed about farming practices. We conducted exploratory surveys of […]
New Research: A Lame Vacation Makes for Lame Production
New research in dairy cattle health and behaviour from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program was featured in a news article summarizing some of our recent research looking at the associations between lameness during the dry period, feeding behaviour and transition health. Read more at https://www.dairyherd.com/article/lame-vacation-makes-lame-production.
Research shows prepartum feeding behavior and interactions at feed bunk are associated with postpartum disease in transitioning dairy cattle
New research from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program shows that prepartum feeding behavior and interactions at the feed bunk are associated with postpartum disease in transitioning dairy cattle. Read the article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030219309282 Abstract Hyperketonemia and metritis are common in the weeks after calving. This study tested if feeding and agonistic behaviors before calving were associated […]
Published symposium review explores methods to assess emotions in dairy cattle
A symposium review from the Animal Welfare Program published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the methods used to assess affective or “emotional” states in dairy cattle. Read the study Abstract Affective states, which refer to feelings or emotions, are a key component of animal welfare, but these are also difficult to assess. Drawing […]
Research looks at how pain control impacts memory of painful experiences in calves
A new study from the UBC Animal Welfare Program was published in Biology Letters – looking at how a painful procedure and the use of pain control strategies impacts the memory of the experience in dairy calves. Read the study Abstract Pain in animals is typically assessed using reflexive and physiological responses. These measures allow […]