Effects of Tail Docking Using a Rubber Ring With or Without Anesthetic on Behavior and Production of Lactating Cows

Production and behavioral measures were recorded to determine the level of stress and pain associated with tail docking adult dairy cows with a rubber ring. The possible advantages of using an epidural anesthetic were also examined. Sixty-four lactating, mixed-parity, Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. The treatments were rubber ring docking with epidural anesthetic (RRA), rubber ring docking without anesthetic (RR), control with epidural anesthetic (CA), and control without anesthetic (C). Behavior was examined on d 0, +1, +2, and +6. Milk production and feed intake were monitored. Cows exhibited subtle behavioral changes following application of rubber rings, as well as after epidural administration on d 0 and tail amputation on d +6. After treatment on d 0, the RR, RRA, and CA groups displayed less tail shaking than the C group. The RR and RRA cows continued to exhibit less tail shaking on d +1, +2, and +6. Also on d 0, the RR and RRA groups held their tails in the raised position less than the C and CA groups. After amputation on d +6, the RR and RRA groups spent longer with their tails pressed to their bodies than the C and CA groups. No significant differences in milk production or feed intake were found. Results suggest that tail-docking adult dairy cattle with rubber rings causes, at most, mild discomfort and that there is no benefit in using an epidural anesthetic. However, long-term effects need to be investigated.