The Analysis of the Cows' Behavior and the Relation between its Behavior and Heart Rates

Abstract

The behaviors of the Holstein cows reared under the ordinary management were recorded by the direct observation and the behavior types were classified into four categories, which were locomotion, standing, squatting and sleeping. At the same time, the heart rate was measured with the radiotelemetry and the relationships between the heart rate and the behavior types were investigated. The results were as follows. 1) The behavior types showed similar ones from 3 to 21 hour, that is, cows spent most of time in a standing position and at night spent most in a squatting position. 2) There were significant differences in the heart rate between locomotion and standing, as well as between standing and squatting. 3) Changes of the heart rate had a good correlation with the behavior types under the condition that a cow was alone in a pen, but did not have so good relations as that under other two conditions that a cow was pastured in a paddock alone or with herd. 4) The cardiotachograms recorded simultaneously in two cows showed the similar circadian pattern, although a younger one had bigger changes of heart rates. Whether a cow was ruminating or not, its heart rate was constant, but in feeding it increased.