A preliminary study of behavioural methods for assessing the influence of electric cow-trainers on animal health.

Various behavioural patterns were assessed for their usefulness in analysing any possible effects of electric cow-trainers on the health of dairy cows. Four cows in a commercial herd were used, which had not previously been exposed to cow-trainers. Two of these were exposed to conventionally installed and managed cow-trainers and two were controls. It was concluded that preparation to lie down, lying-down movements and comfort behaviour are suitable for the study of relationships between the use of electric cow-trainers and impaired health in cows.