Research Project

Influence of human-animal relation on udder health of dairy cows

Projekttext

Mastitis is a disease with many factors. So there is not only one solution to solve the problem of mastitis. One hypothesis regards the human-animal-relationship as one factor influencing udder health. So it can be assumed that a calm interaction leads to behavioural balanced cows followed by more stable health parameters.
Project aim: To investigate the importance of human-animal-relationship as a mastitis factor.

Methodology:

The project is carried out on 50 farms and consists three parts:

  1. Observation of vocalisation and tactile interaction during milking
  2. Observation of the approach reaction of the cows to an unfamiliar person (avoidance distance)
  3. Questionnaire of stockperson's attitude

Responsible

Involved organisations, project partners