Learning and fear in cows
Cows have good short-term and long-term memories and will readily learn a variety of tasks. This characteristic is one reason
why cattle respond well to consistent handling routines.
Strong physical or emotional experiences (good food, fear, pain) are likely to result in long lasting memories. Cattle learn to
associate people or locations with rewarding or negative experiences.
There are a number of factors that provoke fear in cows including: fear of heights; sudden movements and noises; threatening
or aggressive actions; prolonged eye contact; and large or towering objects. Fear responses should be minimised by
appropriate handling behaviour and good dairy design.
The effects of fear can have a significant impact on the efficiency and productivity of the milk harvesting system and result in the
following:
Handling becomes harder, more time consuming and more dangerous.
Milk yield declines.
Milk let-down is impaired.
Cows become more prone to injuries.
Welfare is compromised.
Fear and let-down
Fear causes the release of the hormone adrenaline into the blood stream causing a ‘fight or flight’ response. Adrenaline primes
the body for action by increasing the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles. It also blocks the action of the milk ‘let-down’
hormone oxytocin. This effect can last up to 30 minutes from a single release of adrenaline.
Slow milking times and incomplete milking out are features of interrupted milk let-down.
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Figure 1. The effects of fear on milk let down.
Suggested improvements
Actions to take
Avoid hits, slaps and tail twists as they all provoke fear, even when they are not forceful. Research has shown that
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negative handling of heifers increases fear of humans and flight distances .
Avoid sudden or unusual movements that will cause a fearful response. Avoid shouting or behaving in a threatening
manner. Entering into the flight zone will provoke fear especially if the cow cannot move away.
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(Breuer, Hemsworth, & Coleman, 2003).
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The degree of fear a cow experiences is intensified in an unfamiliar environment or circumstance. It is important to
keep features such as lighting, floor surfaces or levels and fence or wall types as consistent as possible.
Prevent painful milkings e.g. due to poor machine set up, incidences of mastitis or poor handling (e.g. hitting), and
avoid painful procedures in the dairy at all times. Ensure milking machines are maintained and stray voltage is
eliminated. Give some supplementary feed as a reward after bad experiences such as restraining or health related
procedures.
Keep the milking routine calm and consistent. This means that all milkers need to know the milking routine. It should be
written down and communicated to any new milkers.
Action points
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Learning about cow behaviour will help you to understand how handling of cows can affect their willingness to enter
the dairy.
Check all pipework in the dairy to ensure it isn’t causing cows pain or discomfort.
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