In this interview, the researchers talk about the challenges of this method and how they are researching practical approaches with their new project. Julia Steinhoff-Wagner is Professor for Animal Nutrition and Metabolism at TUM. Dr. Jan Harms from LfL coordinates the working area “Systems of livestock production”. Prof. Eva Zeiler works as a veterinarian and leads the Chair for Animal Production Systems in Sustainable Agriculture at HSWT.
In which areas is there a need for research relating to cow-bound calf rearing?
Julia Steinhoff-Wagner (TUM): In my view, there are a few fundamental questions that have yet to be answered. In many respects, cow-bound calf rearing has plenty of advantages – for the immune system, for example. On the other hand, if the calf is separated from its mother at a later time, there is clearly much more emotional stress associated with this than directly after birth. In our research project, it is important for us to look at the animal welfare holistically. We have to pay attention that animal welfare and animal health is improved through cow-bound calf rearing or, if these are already at a good level, that things are kept that way.
Our research begins with an online survey of farmers, to ask them which challenges they perceive. This covers issues relating to animal nutrition, for instance, how the cow and the calf can be cared for in a way that corresponds to the recommendations, as well as the areas of agricultural technology – how the feed fence has to look so that the cow always has access to food without the calf being able to slip through.
Eva Zeiler (HSWT): As a vet, I find it particularly exciting to look into how cow-bound calf rearing affects udder health and the composition of nutrients in the milk. When several calves suckle from the cow, the udders are emptied completely more often, which has a positive effect. On the other hand, we have observed that suckling and lack of care products put teats unter heavy strain, which might even cause hyperkeratosis.
Prof. Zeiler, in your research, you focus intensively on livestock farming in sustainable agriculture. There are various businesses in that field which are already successfully practicing cow-bound calf rearing. Which experiences with cow-bound calf rearing could you observe in practice?
Eva Zeiler (HSWT): In veterinary practice as well as in research projects, I see that an increasing number of farmers that are interested in cow-bound calf rearing – for reasons relating to work management, animal welfare or animal health. We have, however, ascertained that there is not one standard system which can be used by all farms. When a farmer implements the process, it must suit the farm, the herd and the work processes. We also need to keep in mind that cow-bound calf rearing does not suit every farm. We will incorporate our experiences from research and practice in our new joint project.
As things stand, what is still keeping farmers from implementing this concept on their farms?
Jan Harms (LfL): Interest in the concept is growing among farmers. However, we do often see a level of uncertainty. They are unsure about how the concept affects animal welfare. On one hand, this relates to the calves: Do they get enough milk? Do they even accept the process? At the end of the day, you can no longer see how much the calf has drunk from the bucket or the automated feeder. Some farmers have also noticed that the cows are not always good mothers to their calves. With regard to the cows, we would like to examine the udder health and how it affects the cow and the calf if they are separated after a long period of bonding. Besides animal welfare issues, commercialization is still unclear: Will the additional cost and effort also lead to any advantages on the market, and ultimately be rewarded by the consumer through better sales?
One worry of agricultural practitioners is whether the calves are getting enough milk. How can the farmers ensure that they will?
Julia Steinhoff-Wagner (TUM): Two time periods are especially critical when discussing milk intake: directly after birth and after the calf has been separated from the cow. In these phases, it is more often the case that the calves do not drink enough milk. This is why it is important to observe the calves closely in both cases and to provide assistance, if necessary. For instance, the calves need to learn to find the udder after birth, or to use bucket feeders and eat solid food after the separation from the mother. To allow farmers, but also third parties such as advisers or vets, to assess whether the calf is receiving sufficient nutrition, we are developing rating sheets which mainly cover the indicators which are visible from the outside.
How is the LfL currently supporting interested farmers in implementing cow-bound calf rearing in their businesses?
Jan Harms (LfL): In research projects like these, we are developing knowledge-based solutions for the questions that arise in the farms in practice. Our findings are then used to create advisory documents. We also organize information events to provide a platform for farmers to build up a network and exchange ideas and experiences. In this way, each farmer does not have to start from scratch and gather experience themselves; we can support them with their shared knowledge.
What effect does cow-bound calf rearing have on the milk quality testing?
Eva Zeiler (HSWT): At present, the cows drop out of milk quality testing (MLP), if they have not been checked three times. This is a big problem, as the MLP is an important tool for assessing animal health and nutrition status. Without MLP, cow breeders would miss out on an essential basis for breeding valuation. In our project, we are working with LKV Bayern to develop a solution for this. Our idea is to use the prior test results as a basis to make a projection about how much milk the cow is producing in the phase where the calf is suckling. We can also back this up by using the daily intake of the calf. This means that farmers no longer have to decide between cow-bound calf rearing and the milk quality testing.
The project: Cow-bound calf rearing on dairy farms in southern Germany – development of indicators for assessing animal welfare and milk quantities
- Interest among dairy farms in cow-bound calf rearing is growing, and some practitioners already work with this concept. However, there are currently no concrete guidelines and management recommendations from practice-oriented research. The aim of the project is to identify the barriers to implementation and develop and test suitable indicators for evaluating animal welfare and milk quantities in cow-bound calf rearing on dairy farms in southern Germany.
- In the project, the researchers from HSWT, LfL and TUM will be conducting an online survey among dairy farmers. The survey is geared towards all farmers keeping dairy cattle, regardless of the rearing method and management system of the cows and calves. It takes around 10-20 minutes to answer the survey.
- In addition, at least five selected farms practicing cow-bound calf rearing will be examined extensively with regard to separation management and the implementation of care recommendations. Here, the scientists are focusing specifically on the nutrition status of the calves and the milk quantities they are drinking, on one hand in order to find suitable animal welfare indicators for calves and cows in a mother-bonded rearing system, and on the other hand, to create a compensatory system for milk quality testing.
- The study is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism.
Scientific contact:
Prof. Dr. Julia Steinhoff-Wagner
Technical University of Munich
Professorship for Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
jsw(at)tum.de
Contact at TUM Corporate Communications Center:
Magdalena Eisenmann
Press Officer
Tel. +49 8161 71-6127
presse(at)tum.de
www.tum.de/en