GRAZING BEHAVIOUR OF DAIRY COWS ON MOUNTAIN FARM

Abstract

The etological observation was provided on a dairy herd (65 Czech Fleckvieh and 51 Holstein cows) on a low-input mountain farm during the pasture season (April – October 2008). The milking was provided two-times a day in the stalls. The 24-hours observations were made four-times: in June, July, September and October, in 10- minutes intervals. The cows spent 25 to 38 % of a day on average by feeding and 18 to 22 % on average by moving (stalls – pasture movements took about half of this period). The resting time consisting of chewing was found unsufficient and took 29 % to 40 % of a day on average. Better comfort of cows given by an improved milking technology and a more effective grazing management connected with longer time spent by resting is suggested to achieve higher milk yields on the farm.

Keywords

• cattle
• mountains
• pasture
• behaviour