Abstract
Cows, like other animals, have dominance hierarchies but there is anecdotal evidence that cows also have preferred herd mates with whom they spend more time. This research project sought to gain more detail about cow social groups at the Andrews University Dairy by determining the relative social ranking of cows within two different lots and the social groupings within each lot. The dominance ranking was inferred by observing which cows occupy the more desirable stalls. The social groupings were then determined by which cows lie near each other more often over the course of the observations.
Thesis Record URL
Location
Buller Hallway
Start Date
3-6-2015 2:30 PM
End Date
3-6-2015 4:00 PM
P-11 Determining Social Preference of Holstein Cows Based on Stall Selection
Buller Hallway
Cows, like other animals, have dominance hierarchies but there is anecdotal evidence that cows also have preferred herd mates with whom they spend more time. This research project sought to gain more detail about cow social groups at the Andrews University Dairy by determining the relative social ranking of cows within two different lots and the social groupings within each lot. The dominance ranking was inferred by observing which cows occupy the more desirable stalls. The social groupings were then determined by which cows lie near each other more often over the course of the observations.
Acknowledgments
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar
Advisors: Katherine Koudele, Agriculture and Jerome Thayer, Institutional Effectiveness