HABRI Central

The present study reports the pre-partum behaviour of crossbred cows and the behavioural markers to predict the risk of developing post-partum metritis in this species. Dry pregnant crossbred cows (n=20) were observed continuously from 3 weeks before calving till the date of calving using video cameras. Video recordings were analysed and multiple observers were used to collect the behavioural information. General activity patterns of feeding, drinking, lying and inactive standing behaviour were studied. All the cows were followed up for health status till 21 days post-calving. Uterine fluid was collected and using a score system the cows were designated as either metritic or non-metritic (normal cows). Among the 20 experimental cows, eight developed post-partum metritis. Differences in behavioural alteration between normal and metritic cows were analysed by Mann–Whitney rank sum test. A significant difference in pre-partum feeding time and number of feeding bouts were observed between metritic and normal cows. The feeding time was significantly reduced by 25min/d (P=0.041) during wk −2 and 40min/d (P

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

1. Cattle
2. Feeding behavior
3. predictions
4. Social behavior