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Influence of Energy Intake, Cow Body Size and Calf Sex on Certain Behavioral Traits of Angus-Holstein Cows and their Progeny¹

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

Abstract

Twenty-four Angus-Holstein F₁ crossbred cows and their Polled Hereford-sired calves (14 steers and 10 heifers) were allotted to large or small cow body size groups according to the product of cow body length x width x depth. The cows within each body size group were randomly allotted to two isonitrogenous, group-fed rations of 38,640 and 28,560 kcal DE/head/day (115 and 85% of N.R.C., 1963 recommendations). The two rations contained equal amounts of forages in an approximate as-fed ratio of 3:1 of haylage:hay, with the differential energy contents resulting from the addition of concentrates. The behavioral traits were recorded on 6, 24-hr, days during the 123-day trial. The objectives were to determine the effects of energy level, cow body size and calf sex on certain behavioral patterns of cows and calves.

Cow and calf weight changes were significantly (P<.01) affected by energy level. Although large cows lost more weight, the difference was not significant (–31.5 vs. –22.7 kg). Cows receiving the low energy ration required less eating time than did the high energy groups (1.74 vs. 1.92 hr.), but the difference was not significant. Mastication frequency of the 115% groups was significantly (P<.05) greater than of the 85% groups although the total mastication time was not significantly affected by any of the main effects. Amounts of time devoted to lying by cows or calves were significantly (P<.05) affected by cow body size and the energy level x body size interaction. Cow idling time was also influenced significantly (P<.05) by body size. Frequency of mastication by cows (P<.05) and aggression score (P<.01) were significantly affected by energy level. Nursing frequency and time were not significantly affected by the main effects or interactions.

¹ Department of Animal Science, published with the approval of the Director, Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station, No. 3747 of the Journal Series, dated March 19, 1970.

² The authors express appreciation to J. E. Gillooly and C. E. Thompson for assistance in data collection, to the State Correctional Institution at Rockview. Pennsylvania Department of Justice, for granting permission for use of cattle and facilities, and to the Leon Falk Family Trust for grants-in-aid.