[Fodder flinging in cattle].

Abstract

When cattle fling fodder, this is, in many respects, an undesirable behaviour: fodder is wasted, the interior of the shed is dirtied and the slatted floor is compromised in its function. Through behavioural observation, it should therefore be examined which are the determining factors for fodder throwing. Two breeds of cattle (Simmenthal and Brown Swiss) were examined to establish how often the animals fling fodder within 60 minutes in the medium-tie-stall and the short-tie-stall system and receiving varied feeding (green fodder and grass silage). Fodder throwing occurs amongst the two examined breeds, in both housing systems and amongst animals of all ages. The percentage of fodder flinging of Simmenthal cows was higher in the medium-tie-stall than in the short-tie-stall system (16.8% and 8.3%; p < 0.01). During the initial period following the start of feeding, the throwing frequency was at its highest. Fodder throwing animals had a significantly higher blinking frequency (a sign of excitement) than those not flinging fodder (p < 0.01). The reasons for food flinging and its possible effects on the fodder were not checked. Nevertheless, consideration was given to the meaning of this behaviour pattern. It would seem it is not a behaviour disorder. It could be that food flinging is the result of a learning process to control an itch caused by the husbandry system.