Effects of a low moisture block supplement on cow distribution and time budget

Abstract Text:

The objective of this study was to compare the visitation effects of cows between a low moisture block supplement barrel (LMB) (Buffer-lyx®, Ridley Block Operations, Flemingsburg, KY) and an empty control barrel (ECB). The study was conducted in two freestall pens (n=40 and n=43) at the University of Kentucky Coldstream Dairy from January 21, 2015 to February 25, 2015. Both LMB and ECB were placed in low traffic areas in the pens. All cows were exposed to a 7 d acclimation period with ECB, an initial 14 d period with either LMB or ECB (P1), a 7 d washout period with ECB, and a second 14 d period of the opposite treatment (P2). Cows receiving LMB followed by ECB were characterized as treatment control (TC) and cows receiving ECB followed by LMB were characterized as control treatment (CT). Time spent around the barrels was measured using SmartBow (MKW Electronics, Jutogasse, Austria), an eartag based real-time location system. Smartbow recorded per second XY coordinate data to calculate cow location within the housing facility in h/d. When a cow entered or exited the 3 m radius around either barrel, a start or stop time was recorded. All collected data was analyzed using a mixed linear model performed with the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Cows spent more time around the LMB than the ECB (16.49 ± 1.57 and 4.98 ± 1.62 min, P < 0.01). Period (P1: 15.68 ± 1.62 and P2: 5.78 ± 1.57 min, P < 0.01) and sequence (TC: 19.79 ± 1.84 and CT: 1.67 ± 1.82 min, P <0.01) effects were also observed. Period and sequence effects may be attributed to inclement weather during P2 or cows becoming conditioned to expect the ECB. Strategic placement of LMB appears to modify dairy cattle movement and behavior in a freestall setting. Dairy farmers may consider the use of LMB to entice cows toward an automated milking system. 

Keywords: Low moisture block, Real-time location system