Environmental enrichment for calves with artificial organs (2000)

Norton, K. C., Watach, M. J., Gordon, L. et al.

Abstract

In order to decrease the chance of a calf chewing power cables, catheters, or other monitoring equipment, their head is tethered to the front of the [portable, 4 x 6 x 4 ft] cage. .. In order to keep an animal entertained for short periods of time we began to utilize toys as focal points for oral satisfaction and to channel aggressive behavior. It has been our experience that virtually any toy hung within eyesight of the animal would work. .. Our final, and perhaps most important, solution to bovine enrichment is that of physical contact. Most of the animals seem to enjoy a good, vigorous scratch with lengthy attention paid to the areas around and under the harness straps.