Tail-docking alters fly numbers, fly-avoidance behaviors, and cleanliness,but not physiological measures

Tail docking is an animal well-being issue not only regarding the docking p rocedures but also because of concerns during fly season. To address the la tter question, we selected eight cows that had been tail-docked in a previo us experiment and eight nondocked cows matched by stage of lactation. Physi ological, immunological, and behavioral measures were used to evaluate the well being of those cows housed in a tie-stall barn during fly season for 5 consecutive days. Behavior was observed for 5-min interval instantaneous s can samples for 1 h each at 0800, 1200, and 1600 h. Flies were counted befo re behavior observations. Blood samples were taken daily for plasma and leu kocyte separation. Cows were scored on d 5 for cleanliness on a five-point scale. Docked cows were cleaner, but fly counts of docked cows were greater for total fly counts and rear leg counts. However, counts were not differe nt on front legs. Time of day was significant, so each time of day was anal yzed separately. Docked cows were observed to exhibit fewer tail swings at 0800 h, but docked cows tended to ruminate more at that time. Docked cows t ended to stand less at the 1200 h observation. Total fly-avoidance behavior s were greater for all cows at the 1600-h observation. Only tail swings ten ded to be more frequent with docked cows, but foot stomps occurred only in the docked cows. Lymphocyte phenotypes, acute-phase proteins, and immunoglo bulin concentrations did not differ. In conclusion, although docked cows we re cleaner, as the fly numbers increase throughout the day, fly-avoidance b ehaviors also increased and foot stomping appeared as an alternative method for fly avoidance by docked cows.