Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The current common practice in modern dairy systems is to separate the calf from the cow within 24 hours after parturition, this leads to stress for both calf and cow. Strategies to mitigate stress of early separation should therefore be considered. Olfaction is a big part in establishing the bond between mother-offspring. Earlier research has therefor suggested the question: can a positively condition scent reduce separation stress in calves?
This study was carried out at SLU Lövsta lantbruksforskning and involved 12 cow-calf pairs. Of the calves, 3 were bulls and 9 heifers, they where all either Swedish Holstein (SH) or Swedish Red and White Breed (SRB) This study aimed to investigate if a positively conditioned scent may reduce the stress from separations in dairy calves. This was done by applying lavender essential oil to a girth in the area closest to the udder of the dam. After the calves were separated behavioural observations were then carried out hour 0-1 and 5-6 after separation. Calves were assigned one of four different treatments: (1) control group, where no scent was present at birth or post separation; (2) scent was present at birth but not post separation; (3) no scent was present at birth but post separation; (4) scent was present at birth and post separation. The study then compared whether the conditioned scent influenced stress-related behaviours.
In conclusion the study was inconclusive, and this is partly due to the fact that the study was not large enough. But it was not in vain as it is a good step in the right direction for future studies in the same area. In fact the study is meant as a pilot study and therefore the pros and cons of the chosen method will be shared.