Applied Cattle Behavior: Social Hierarchies, Housing, and Maternal Traits

What type of social structure do feral cattle typically form?

Matriarchal groups of cows and their offspring, with males being solitary or in small groups.

How does social hierarchy in cattle generally function?

Leadership is associated with age, body size, and horns, and aggression is most common in uncastrated males and new mothers.

What is a key characteristic of maternal behavior in cattle?

Cattle are 'hider' species that seek covered or secluded areas to calve and often separate from the herd during birth.

What are the common types of social housing for beef cattle?

Cow/calf operations and feedlots, which include mixes of cows and calves with many kin relationships.

What types of social housing are typically used for dairy cows?

Tie-stall, free-stall, and drylot housing.

What commercial challenges are related to cattle behavior?

Competition over feed and lying spaces, overstocking pens, mixing/regrouping animals, housing young dairy calves, weaning calves, and housing cows at calving.

What benefits does pair housing provide for dairy calves?

Improves social development, cognition, and growth without increasing the risk of disease.

What preference do cows have regarding calving locations?

Cows prefer to calve in corners.

What is the significance of the social relationships formed by cattle?

Cattle form preferential relationships with certain individuals and spend most of their time with them.

How do males and females interact during the mating season in cattle?

Males and females mix during mating season.

What is the typical group size of feral cattle matriarchal groups?

Approximately 10 individuals.

What is the typical group size for solitary male cattle?

Around 3 individuals.

What is a notable behavior of dairy cows when giving birth?

They often separate from the herd to calve.

What is the impact of overcrowding on cattle?

Challenges occur when cattle are overcrowded and not given opportunities to perform their maternal behavior.

What is the role of aggression in cattle social hierarchy?

Aggression is most common in uncastrated males and new mothers.

What does the term 'gregarious' imply about cattle?

Cattle are social animals that thrive in groups.

What is a common issue faced in the housing of young dairy calves?

The need for appropriate social development and minimizing disease risk.

What is the significance of the studies referenced (Chua et al., 2002; Vieira et al., 2010, 2012; Costa et al., 2015; Galliard et al., 2014)?

These studies contribute to understanding cattle behavior and housing needs.

What is the importance of maternal behavior in dairy cows?

It is crucial for the well-being and development of calves.

What does 'Pbinomial = 0.01' indicate in the context of calving location preferences?

It suggests a statistically significant preference for calving in corners.