Associations between cow behaviour at pasture, weather conditions and day length

Pasture grazing of cattle increases economic performance and is regarded as beneficial for cows’ health but weather may affect animal behaviour. The study reported here assessed associations between behaviour and weather. Ten spring-calving dairy cows were monitored during spring (63 d), summer (13 d) and autumn (13 d). Cow behaviour was recorded using the noseband sensor and pedometer-based RumiWatchSystem (Itin + Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland). Weather conditions were measured continuously using an on-farm weather station. When day length exceeded 15 h d-1, cows were observed grazing longer. Rumination time was highest when mean air temperature ranged between 7.5 and 12.5 °C. Rainfall was associated with reduced lying time and increased standing time. Walking time was lower when day length was less than 12 h d-1. No significant associations with wind speed were detected. Overall, moderate associations between weather and behaviour were observed.