Evaluation of a loose housing system for suckler cows with regard to the behavioural needs of resting behaviour

In the investigations the behavioural pattern of resting of suckler cows du ring winter housing was judged with regard to housing in compliance with th e behavioural needs of cows. Eighty-eight suckler cows were stalled togethe r with their calves in a shed compartment with cubicles for lying where the y remained until turning out in spring. It had been occupied in such a way that one feeding place or one cubicle was available for each animal. With 2 0 randomly selected suckler cows, which had been specially marked, an inter val-sampling of selected behavioural patterns at a 20 minute interval was p erformed approximately 120 days post partum on 12 days over 24 hours. The d aily periodicity of the functional cycles investigated was also determined by timers dependent on keeping and management conditions. On the 12 days of observation the relative frequency of lying was 44.6 %. The factor of rest seems to have priority for the animals when selecting the lying areas and to be of prime importance for satisfaction of needs and avoidance of damage for resting behaviour.