The effect of early vs late pairing on measures of dairy calf health, performance, and behavior through weaning

Authors

  • Whitney A. Knauer Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • Sandra M. Godden Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • Natalie Barka Department of Animal Science, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20208135

Keywords:

pair housing, preweaned calves, timing, calf health, performance, behavior

Abstract

Pair housing of dairy calves during the preweaning period improves some measures of performance and socialization as compared to calves housed individually. However, there is little evidence to guide producers and veterinarians as to when to pair preweaned calves to maximize social and performance effects while minimizing potential detrimental health effects. The objective of this randomized trial was to investigate the effect of pairing at birth vs pairing at 30d of age on measures of calf health, performance, and behavior.

Cover image of the 53rd Conference Proceedings: A photo of a lone cow with a bell in a field.

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Published

2020-09-24

Issue

2020

Section

Research Summaries