Comparing the use of different environmental enrichment items by Hereford-Holstein cattle in a high containment facility.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High containment facilities provide limited environmental stimuli for cattle. Adding environmental enrichment can reduce frustration and stereotyping, improving overall animal welfare and benefitting scientific output. Current research into environmental enrichment for indoor housed cattle is lacking despite such facilities facing unique challenges to maintain high welfare standards. This study compared four different environmental enrichment items in the aim to help inform high containment facilities on the most effective enrichment items for cattle. Five pens holding four 18-month-old Hereford-Holstein cattle were equipped with control enrichment (broom head and salt lick) and one trial enrichment item. The test items were a hay net filled with hay, rope, empty chemical drum, and ball. Items were rotated weekly over a three week period. Interactions between the cattle and enrichment were recorded daily via CCTV, data collected using continuous all-occurrence sampling with three point samples per day, and analysed using negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: The hay net elicited the highest interactive frequency and duration. It was also the least affected by habituation, possibly due to the nutritional incentive and novelty created when refilled. A similar level of interaction was seen between the ball and drum and both items were interacted with more than control items. The rope was interacted with less frequently than control items. CONCLUSION: Although the hay net appeared most engaging, all items declined in popularity over time indicating that several different items rotated sporadically may maximise the benefit of enrichment by maintaining the cattle's interest.