Assessment of Negative Training on the Use of Cubicle Beds by Heifers

摘要

40 in—calf heifers were observed to examine the effect of timbers placing in passage area on their use of cubicle beds. Prior to the experiment preliminary observation was taken on these 40 heifers and they were divided into two even groups (cubicleuscr(or control) group versus cubicle refusal (or experimental) group by whether they properly used the cubicle beds or not. The timbers were placed in passage and feeding areas for the cubicle refusal group to force the animls to lie in the cubicle beds. The results of this experiment showed that feeding behaviour was unaffected by the presence of the timbers, but lying acitvity was about 8% higher for the experimental group, which led to a mean of almost 2 hours longer lying time over 24 h. After thetimbers were removed, there was a significant decline in lying by the experimental group. The diurnal pattern of lying behaviour in cubicles indicated that the major effect on lying activity exerted by the presence of the timbers was seen during midnightto 10:00 am. Also during this times, the experimental group in the, presence of the timbers tended to show more lying in cubicles than control group. At the end of the experiment, 95% of the heifers were found to be correctly using the cubicle beds, andon the negative side three heifers developed a slight injury on their legs or hocks caused by the timber.