Influence of feeding operation and social factors on cattle locomotion in free stall barns

Abstract

The influence of feeding operation and social factors on voluntary movement of cattle was studied with a group of nine Holstein calves in free stall barns. The results of this study suggest that cattle can move more voluntarily when rations are put beyond the place that farmers want them to walk through. The results also suggest that conflicts between motivations for approaching rations and avoiding competitive feeding behaviour should be considered when efficient systems of locomotion control of cattle groups are designed, such as in AMSs.