Cow Signals Cows constantly provide us with information as to their health and well-being. All farmers need to learn to interpret these signals and use them to take appropriate action to prevent problems developing in their herds. So what type of signals do you need to look for? 1. Behaviour How do the cows respond to handling and strangers? Do the cows continue feeding or show some interest? Are they hyperactive, flighty? Do they appear dopey, depressed, don’t care? Signs of abnormal behaviour may be due to poor stockmanship & animal handling. This is important because poor handling can cost 2L/cow/day in lost milk production! Low magnesium levels might lead to flighty cows, high endophyte leveks may cause staggers, ketotic cows may act “crazy” and do weird repetitive behaviour or simply be standing and staring. Activity Levels- What are the cows doing? Maximum performance means cows do not have time for unconstructive behaviour. Normal behaviour includes grazing or feeding, ruminating/cud chewing, sleeping –cows can lie down for 12-14hrs per day. Drinking, interacting e.g. grooming, fighting, oestrus behaviour. If a cow is doing nothing then there may be something wrong.

For example, if a cow is not grazing or feeding when everyone else is then you may need to consider things like inadequate DM available, Inadequate space, competition, Poor quality feed e.g. High NDF, lignin or metabolic problems like Ketosis, hypocalcaemia. No water, Heat stress, disease, illness, health problems can all affect DMI.

VS 3. Assess rumen fill & Gut function Rumen score 1-5 i.e. empty – full is an indicator of dry-matter intakes. An empty looking rumen, even on supposed high intakes, is a sign that there may be a problem with feed quality or quantity.

Count the number of chews per cud before swallowing <40 -acidosis (feed dependant), >70 -poor quality.

Why is this cow not eating? Turns out she had liver failure.

4. Assess Dung Consistency

Faecal score 1-5 i.e. watery-solid rocks Faecal score 1 or 2 is common during the spring BUT just because something is typical does not mean that it is normal! Loose watery manure could be a sign of a lack of effective fibre in the diet, increased gut transit time, sub-clinical rumen acidosis

5. Coat Changes What is the general appearance of the cows? Are they glossy, shiny, hairy, rough, do they have poor coat colour? Rough coat condition can be the result of underfeeding, poor rumen function, metabolic disease mineral/trace element deficiency, unbalanced diet, especially high protein, mycotoxins, poorly grown young stock, decreased liver function, excessive competition, inadequate water, heat stress, poor stockmanship & handling

6. Condition Score

What is the average body condition score of the herd? Is this on target for the stage of the season and the feeding system? When looking at cow condition you need to consider:

• What is the range of condition within the herd? • Group differences – are heifers losing too much weight? • Rate of change –too fast can mean problems with reproduction & production. • Rate and “cost” of gain. • Other problems like copper deficiency, magnesium, carbohydrate &/or protein

intake.

Fluffy coat due to poor body condition from under feeding in late lactation.

Milking cows in late June. Note the coats are short and flat, not fluffy, indicating adequate energy intakes.

Faecal Score 4 = Optimal rumen function.

Loose watery faeces indicating possible rumen sub-clinical acidosis