Mother-infant-relationships in a beef suckler cow herd

A beef suckler cattle herd (25 cows, 23 calves) was observed on pasture for mother-infant behaviour. This behaviour varied substantially in that 20 di fferent suckling positions (with one, two or three calves suckling per cow) were observed during 299 sucklings. The frequent occuring cross suckling, the diversity of suckling positions a s well as the behaviour of cows during suckling are discussed in the contex t of the current literature. In contrast to the literature, our results sho wed a higher incidence of cross suckling and a variety of suckling position s, indicating a disturbed bonding between the cow and its calf during birth . The preferred lying order of the herd showed parallel lying positions along the periphery of the pasture. In conclusion, the results should encourage farmers to design their pastures according to the animal needs as well as i ncluding regular herd observations into herd management schemes.