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The behaviour of dairy bulls kept in groups

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

D. C. Dalton ,
M. E. Pearson  and
M. Sheard
D. C. Dalton
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Leeds
M. E. Pearson
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Leeds
M. Sheard
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Leeds
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Extract

(1) Observations were made on a group of dairy bulls at pasture during the summer of 1964. The grazing behaviour of the bulls was similar to that of cows except that they were more sensitive to disturbance and the herd instinct as seen in cows was absent.

(2) Dairy bulls in a group formed a restless community. Apart from dis turbances within the group, the presence of men, dogs, vehicles and bulls from other groups could disturb the group equilibrium. The signs of disturbance were bellowing, pawing and horning the ground, fighting and outbursts of sexual activity.

(3) No clearly defined order of social dominance could be detected and the bulls retained their individuality at all times.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , February 1967 , pp. 1 - 5
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1967

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References

REFERENCES

Bielhartz, R. G., & Mylrea, P. J., 1963. Social position and behaviour of dairy heifers in yards. Anim. Behav., 11: 522–528.Google Scholar
Hafez, E. S. E., & Schein, M. W., 1962. The behaviour of cattle. In: Behaviour of Domestic Animals. E. S. E. Hafez (ed.). Chap. 10: 247–296. Baillière, Tindall and Cox, London.Google Scholar
McPhee, C. P., McBwde, G., & James, J. W., 1964. Social behaviour of domestic animals. III. Steers in small yards. Anim. Prod., 6: 9–15.Google Scholar