A recent study has indicated that stationary brushes and hanging hemp ropes play a crucial role in the well-being of cattle across all age groups
A new study shows that stationary cattle brushes and hanging hemp ropes are very important for cattle of all ages.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, used stationary brushes to study young dairy cows that had been weaned. The study found that cows that don’t have access to brush tend to rub their heads and bodies against pen walls and the edges of water troughs. This can lead to injury. Additionally, young cattle seem to be motivated to manipulate objects with their mouths.
Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk, the lead investigator, says that providing cow brushes for dairy cattle is becoming more common. However, providing objects for the cows to chew on has not been explored enough.
The research team found that heifers began using the brushes almost immediately, even though they had never used brushes before. In the first phase, brushes were used mostly for grooming, but the heifers also showed a lot of oral brush manipulation.
The study found that giving cattle access to brushes in their living space can be a welfare issue. This is because it prevents them from using pen hardware for sucking and scratching. It also reduces potentially harmful behaviors like tongue rolling.
The study was published in the Journal of Dairy Science.
