Ll. Wilson et al., Effects of individual housing design and size on behavior and stress indicators of special-fed Holstein veal calves, J ANIM SCI, 77(6), 1999, pp. 1341-1347
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.