Establishment of cattle-human relationships

Abstract The effects of short periods of handling on the subsequent behaviour of French Aubrac calves suckled by their mothers and living outdoors all year round were investigated in two experiments. The animals' behaviour was measured during the handling period and during individual tests. In Experiment 1, animals either were not handled or were handled for 10 days from birth or 6 weeks after birth. Tests were performed 3.5 months after birth. In Experiment 2, heifers 8 months of age had no handling after weaning or were handled for 13 days just after weaning or 6 weeks after weaning. Tests were performed 7.5 months after weaning. During the handling test, animals previously handled were never aggressive. Calves handled 6 weeks after birth and heifers handled just after weaning were easier to handle during the tests than the other animals.