Behavioral and Physiologic Responses to Tail Docking in Calves and Preparturient Heifers

Authors

  • D. A. Schreiner University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
  • P. L. Ruegg University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20025038

Keywords:

tail docking, hygiene, physiological effect, behavioral effect, hormonal, epidural, rubber rings

Abstract

Many dairy farmers utilize tail docking because they believe it improves milking hygiene and increases the comfort of milking personnel. Few studies have been conducted to determine behavioral and physiological effects of tail docking in dairy cattle, and the optimal age to remove tails is unknown. Our study's objectives were to determine: 1) behavioral and hormonal effects of tail banding with rubber rings one month prior to first parturition in dairy heifers, both with and without use of an epidural and 2) to determine the behavioral response to tail banding using rubber rings on calves 1- 6 weeks of age.

Cover image of the 35th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. A small group of cattle are bunched together in a pen. Yellow background.

Downloads

Published

2002-09-26

Issue

2002

Section

Research Summaries - Dairy I

Most read articles by the same author(s)