| Short communication: Measures of weight distribution and frequency of steps as indicators of restless behavior. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21257048 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Restless behavior, as measured by the steps taken or weight shifting between legs, may be a useful tool to assess the comfort of dairy cattle. These behaviors increase when cows stand on uncomfortable surfaces or are lame. The objective of this study was to compare 2 measures of restless behavior, stepping behavior and changes in weight distribution, on 2 standing surfaces: concrete and rubber. Twelve cows stood on a weighing platform with 1 scale/hoof for 1h. The platform was covered with either concrete or rubber, presented in a crossover design. Restlessness, as measured by both the frequency of steps and weight shifting (measured as the standard deviation of weight applied over time to the legs), increased over 1h of forced standing on either concrete or rubber. A positive relationship was found between the frequency of steps and the standard deviation of weight over 1h for both treatments and pairs of legs (r ≥0.66). No differences existed in the standard deviation of weight applied to the front (27.6±1.6kg) or rear legs (33.5±1.4kg) or the frequency of steps (10.2±1.6 and 20.8±3.2 steps/10min for the front and rear pair, respectively) between rubber and concrete. Measures of restlessness are promising tools for assessing specific types of discomfort, such as those associated with lameness, but additional tools are needed to assess comfort of non-concrete standing surfaces. |
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Authors:
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N Chapinal; A M de Passillé; J Rushen; C B Tucker |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of dairy science Volume: 94 ISSN: 1525-3198 ISO Abbreviation: J. Dairy Sci. Publication Date: 2011 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-01-24 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 2985126R Medline TA: J Dairy Sci Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 800-3 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Affiliation:
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Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada. |
Export Citation:
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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