Just Keep Her Happy: Cow Comfort
The advice that many old men share when asked, “What’s the secret to a happy marriage?” is usually, “Just keep her happy.”
This same secret is one of the keys to managing a successful dairy farm: just keep her happy.
A cow that is uncomfortable, scared, too hot, underfed, etc. will never reach her highest potential, and decrease the profitability of the farm. Like us- when we don’t have our basic needs met or we feel anxious and scared, we won’t function at our best capability.
So much research has taken a step away from milk production to dive into cow comfort. Cow comfort is linked to milk production and reproduction- the two keys to a successful dairy farm. This link invalidates comments that farmers give their cows nothing but the best. It wouldn’t serve them, and it wouldn’t serve their cows. This research has changed the way we interact with cattle, our barns and milking parlors, and our genetic selections.
Temple Grandin has published extensive work on animal behavior. By taking the time to understand cattle’s natural habits and how they perceive situations can lead to increased productivity, improved reproduction, and rumen function. From hearing and vision to memory and learning, Temple Grandin has moved all livestock industries forward.
Creature of Habit
As a result of learning about their behavior, we learned cows are creatures of habit, so routine is an important piece of their comfort. Scarlett is always in the same spot when the Roto-Feeder comes on (right where the silage comes out-she’s smart). Cows that are in the front of the group to be milked are usually the same cows every time. In freestall barns, cows will hang out in the same general area, or even choose the same bed every time they lay down. A comfortable and habitual milking routine that has little variation is important to her. She can learn this routine, and this learned habit keeps her comfortable. Much like we feel better when we can write things out in an agenda or make a list.
Herd Instinct
Naturally, cows were prey animals before they were domesticated. They can be flighty, and they have a heightened awareness of their surroundings. Handling cows in a calm, kind manner makes them more comfortable, and more likely to reciprocate that calmness to you. Cows communicate most frequently visually, so allowing them to see and interact with their herd mates has a significant impact on her wellbeing. As this is a key piece of animal welfare, many farms turn these evaluations over to 2nd and 3rd party auditors.
Beach Time
Sand bedding is considered the gold-standard of bedding for dairy cattle. In preference experiments, cattle preferred sand over traditional bedding like straw- who doesn't love the beach vibe? Sand is soft and comfortable which reduces incidences of lameness. With its naturally cooling properties, sand helps with heat abatement. Cows have a natural body temperature of about 102 degrees, so they begin experiencing heat stress around 70 degrees. Heat stress causes decreased reproduction and production, so in the summer, heat abatement is one of farmer’s top priorities. It is inorganic, so it harbors less bacteria- promoting mammary health and reducing somatic cell scores.
It’s a Win-Win
Having patience and compassion with cattle means taking the time to consider what would make them the most comfortable and allows you to best serve her. From routines to the bed she sleeps in, every detail is kept in mind for her. Farmers prioritize cow comfort because it is the right thing to do. A dairy farmer’s profitability thrives in a content cow, and they hold themselves to high standards of animal welfare to protect her.
The old man says, “Happy wife, happy life.”
The dairy farmer says, “Happy cows, happy life.”
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Thank you for reading! As always, send me any comments or questions!
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