Restlessness behavior, heart rate and heart rate variability of dairy cows milked in two different systems: comparing automatic milking system and conventional milking parlour : Preliminary results

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the stress responses of the dairy cows when the milking system was switching from conventional to robotic milking on the farm. The study was conducted over a period of 3 months, and performed in a Hungarian working farm located in Hatvan Józsefmajor. 18 clinically healthy animals were chosen for the study, and measurements were divided into two parts. First study was done during the conventional milking, and the second part 2 months after buying the DeLaval robot and switching to Automatic milking system. Equipment used in this study was the Polar Equine RS800 CX HR-monitoring device for HR and HRV measurements, and a video camera (Legria HF M36, Canon) to help match milking stages and HRV recordings and examine the behavior. Restlessness behavior during milking (stepping), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and fecal cortisol concentration was investigated. In summary, the conclusion of the study is that the welfare of dairy cows milked in both conventional and robotic system is not seriously impaired. Individual management, handling and attitude play a key role in animal welfare, and according to the results in this study robotic milking can be less stressful due to the dramatic decrease in rough handling during milking.