Table 37.
Farm hazards affecting locomotion behaviour/activity in cubicle systems
| Farm hazards | Variable | Effect | Analysis (a) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space allowance | ||||
| Larger pens (24 vs. 12 cubicles) | Distance moved (m/day) | ↑ | MA | Telezhenko et al. (2012) |
| Movement events (%) | ↑ | MA | ||
| Stocking density | ||||
| Increased stocking density (b) | Standing in cubicle (h/day) | ↓ | MA | Gomez and Cook (2010) |
| Overstocking density (c) (150% vs. 100%) | Standing in cubicle, front legs (h/day) | ↓ | MA | Winckler et al. (2015) |
| Understocking density (c) (75% vs. 100%) | Standing in alley between two rows of stalls (h/day) | ↓ | MA | Winckler et al. (2015) |
| Understocking density (c) (67% vs. 100%) | Standing in alley (min/3 h after feeding) | ↓ | MA | Fujiwara et al. (2019) (d) |
| Understocking density (c) (25% vs. 100%) | Movement events (%) | ↑ | MA | Telezhenko et al. (2012) |
| Lying surface | ||||
| Dry bedding | Standing in alley (h/day) | ↓ | MA | Reich et al. (2010) |
| Mattress (vs. sand) | Standing in cubicle (h/day) | ↑ | MA | Gomez and Cook (2010) |
↑/↓ = significant increase/decrease of the variable (p < 0.05); ns = not significant. The colour of the sign (red or green) indicates whether the effect is considered positive from an animal welfare perspective (green) or negative (red). Arrows in black reflect an unclear interpretation of the effect from a welfare perspective.
(a)
Statistical analysis: MA = multivariable analysis (in the case of univariable pre‐selection of factors only effects of the final models were considered).
(b)
Study of 16 farms with cubicles, in cows/cubicle.
(c)
Stocking density expressed in cows/cubicle (e.g. 150% means 1.5 cow/cubicle).
(d)
Cubicle system at dry‐off, straw yard before calving.