Effect of parlour relocation on behaviour and post-adaptation milkability of lactating dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of study was to investigate the effect of parlour relocation on behaviour of lactating cows and to understand the effect of behaviour on post-adaptation milkability in dairy cows. Seventy-two crossbred cows initially milked in tandem milking parlour were relocated to herringbone parlour and observed for 45 milking sessions. Recording of behaviour was done for the individual animal as they entered the holding area till exit after completion of milking. The results showed that there was marked behavioural changes associated with the relocation of animals. Sharp decline in milk yield was observed on the day of relocation which improved in subsequent milking sessions. The mean cortisol level pre and post milking was significantly (P<0.01) high in novel parlour to which the animals were unfamiliar. The behaviour of animals post-adaptation in holding area and milking area was found to be significantly (P<0.01) associated with the milkablity traits in terms of milk yield and milk flow. The temperament score of cows significantly (P<0.01) affected their milk yield and milk flow characteristics. No definite trend was seen due to effect of elimination behaviour on milkability. The study concluded that although lactating dairy cows have tendency to adapt in a new system, shifting them in the midst of lactation may cause production losses. The cow behaviour post-adaptation may serve as potent tool to select those animals which are suitable for batch milking in parlours to achieve higher rate in terms of cow throughput and milk harvesting efficiency.