Comparison of comfortability between tie-stall and stanchion-stall housing through behaviour and autonomic nervous activity

Abstract

Although a large number of dairy cows in Japan are raised under restraint with tie- (50%) and stanchion-stalls (20%), few studies have investigated the distinctions between the two systems. Here, we compared the two systems on cows’ comfort using their behaviour and autonomic nervous activity as indicators. Time budgets were calculated for maintenance behaviours of eight Holstein steers kept in tie- and stanchion-stalls, and the self-grooming frequency was recorded. Simultaneously, apex-base bipolar lead electrocardiograms were used to measure the autonomic nervous activity of steers. The heart rate (HR) and parameters of heart rate variability (low-frequency power: LF; high-frequency power: HF; and LF/HF ratio) were used to assess the discomfort of steers. Steers in stanchion-stalls showed less lying with head backward (P < 0.05) and a lower frequency of self-grooming toward hindlimbs (P < 0.001) and lumbar region (P < 0.001) than those in tie-stalls. HR, HF power, and LF/HF ratio showed no significant difference between steers in tie- and stanchion-stalls, indicating an absence of a stress response; however, the higher LF power in stanchion-stall steers (P < 0.05) might be associated with lying posture. Overall, these results indicate that, although some behaviours were restricted in steers kept in stanchion-stalls, the autonomic nervous activity indicates that there were no significant differences in comfort levels of the animals kept in tie- and stanchion-stalls.