Evaluation of a loose housing system for suckler cows with regard to the behavioural needs of resting behaviour Summary

In the investigations the behavioural pattern of resting of suckler cows during winter housing was judged with regard to housing in compliance with the behavioural needs of cows. Eighty-eight suckler cows were stalled together with their calves in a shed compartment with cubicles for lying where they remained until tuming out in spring. It had been occupied in such a way that one feeding place or one cubicle was available for each animal. With 20 randomly selected suckler cows, which had been specially marked, an interval-sampling of selected behavioural patterns at a 20-minute interval was performed approximately 120 days post partum on 12 days over 24 hours. The daily periodicity ofthe functional cycles investigated was also determined by timers dependent on keeping and management conditions. On the 12 days of Observation the relative frequency of lying was 44.6%. The factor of rest seems to have priority for the animals when selecting the lying areas and to be of prime importance for satisfaction of needs and avoidance of damage for resting behaviour. Kev Words: suckler cow, behaviour, loose housing system, straw mattress, management