Do the ear and tail positions reflect the emotional state of calves? (2024)

Machado, M., Silveira, R. M. F., Bittar, C. M. M. et al.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the associations between ear and tail position and stroking or umbrella stimuli in dairy calves at different stimulus application times (before the test, pretest, test, and posttest). Thirty-two mixedbred Holstein calves of different ages were subjected to stroking and an umbrella stimulus. For the stroking stimulation, a researcher stroked for 1 minute in the neck region with continuous and frequent movements (approximately 40 to 60 movements per minute) to simulate the speed with which an animal would receive allogrooming. For the umbrella stimulus, a researcher positioned himself one meter in front of the calf, with an umbrella in his hand, without making eye contact. Then, the umbrella was suddenly opened and remained open for one minute. The procedure was divided into six experimental attempts. The ear and tail positions were investigated. There was a significant effect of treatment on the ear and tail position variables. The "backward” ear posture and “arched” tail posture appear to be associated with the display of the stroking stimulus, while the “horizontal” ear and “between hind limbs” tail positions are associated with the umbrella stimulus. The data suggest that ear and tail positions are indicators of stroking or umbrella stimuli in dairy calves. There is great potential for using these methods to measure the emotional state of calves, and they can also be used as a tool to assess their welfare.