Effects of individual housing design and size on behavior and stress indicators of special-fed Holstein veal calves

The objectives of this study were to determine effects of housing design (c alves tethered in open stalls vs untethered in individual pens) and widths of 56, 66, and 76 cm (2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments) on indicat ors of stress and behavior in special-fed veal calves. Three production cyc les (groups) were used, each with 36 Holstein bull calves. Calves (n = 108) were randomly allotted to treatments upon arrival at the facility. Blood s amples were collected four times (wk 4, 9, 13, and 18) during the 18-wk pro duction cycle. Blood serum values for cortisol and alpha(1)-acid glycoprote in (AGP) exhibited few treatment differences. Blood leukocyte differential counts at 4 and 18 wk (segmented neutrophils [N], banded neutrophils, lymph ocytes [L], basophils, and the N:L ratio) were not different (P > .05) amon g housing designs or widths. However, there were differences (P < .05) in m onocytes and eosinophils during the 28-d period after arrival; calves in st alls 76 cm wide had the greatest percentage of both leukocytes, and calves in the 66-cm stalls had the lowest monocyte percentage. Calves were recorde d on videotape during wk 4, 13.5, and 18 to determine frequencies and durat ions of postures and behaviors (e.g., lying, standing, chewing, tongue play ing, grooming, and investigative activities). There were no consistent diff erences (P > .05) in postures or behaviors among calves in different housin g designs or widths. Calves spent approximately 71 and 31% in lying and sta nding positions, with no preference for the right or left side while recumb ent. There was a tendency for calves in wider stalls or pens at wk 9 and 18 to exhibit more self-grooming activities. Tongue playing and investigative and chewing activities were exhibited in all treatments, but no difference s (P > .05) were observed. However, calves housed in the 56-cm pens display ed difficulty in changing from lying to a standing position and were unable to extend one or more legs while recumbent. Even though there were few dif ferences in behavioral, physiological, growth, or anatomical traits in this study, further increases in age and(or) weight of finished calves will req uire a reassessment of the appropriateness of individual veal calf housing design and dimensions.