'Listening' to cows that are overcrowded

By Marcia Endres, University of Minnesota Extension

ST. PAUL, Minn. (7/30/2007) — Do cows try to speak to us? Although we don’t speak “cow,” there may be ways dairy cows can tell us whether they’re doing well with the environment we provide them.

Rick Grant and other researchers at the Miner Institute have studied the effect of various stocking density levels of stalls and feed bunks on production and behavior of lactating cows. Stocking density levels were 100, 115, 130 or 145 percent. (Higher densities mean cows are more crowded).

In their study, lying time was reduced by about 1.1 hours per day between 100 and 145 percent stocking rates. Milk yield dropped from 96 to 91.5 pounds per day. The number of meals per day was reduced by one full meal between 100 and 145 percent stocking rates. This means that at greater stocking densities, cows had to eat faster.

This faster “slug” feeding has been associated with a digestive disorder called ruminal acidosis. In addition, milk fat percentage was depressed as the stocking rate increased. The researchers also noted a trend for lower quality milk (higher somatic cell counts) with greater stocking rates.

“Transition” cows (those who recently gave birth or are about to) are even more severely affected by overcrowding.  For those close-up dry and fresh cows, pen stall density should be kept at 80 to 90 percent, with bunk space at three feet per cow.

Higher stocking rates could also contribute to increased lameness in early lactation. It’s recommended to keep prefresh and fresh heifers separate from older cows if possible.

Paying more attention and providing a better environment (80 to 90 percent stocking density) for these transition animals can really help the financial bottom line.

These are ways cows “speak” to us and let us know they appreciate what we are doing for them. The results are extra milk in the tank and better health (more dollars).

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Any use of this article must include the byline or following credit line:
Marcia Endres is a dairy scientist with University of Minnesota Extension.

Media Contact: Julie Christensen, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, reuve007@umn.edu

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2005/2007cows.html  This page was updated July 30, 2007 .
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