Previous handling and gentle interactions affect behaviour and heart rate of dairy cows during a veterinary procedure (2004)

Weiblinger, S., Menke, C., Korff, J. et al.

Abstract

Previously handled animals had lower heart rate during tests, kicked less when alone and tended to show less restless behaviour. Cows were further calmed by gentle interactions during the test, but people differed remarkably. In conclusion, stress reactions of cows during rectal palpation/insemination can be reduced by previous positive handling as well as by a person providing positive, gentle interactions during the procedure. The results underline the importance of positive, gentle interactions with the animals to enhance animal welfare and reduce the risk of accidents.