Benefits of tactile stimulation and environmental enrichment for the welfare of crossbred dairy calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate behavioural and physiological variables of 18 Gir x Holstein calves housed in groups submitted to two treatments: presence (EE) or absence (NE) of environmental enrichment. Behavioural variables (walking, feeding, leisure and play behaviour) were analyzed continuously in the first and second hours after brushing using generalized mixed models. Physiological parameters (cortisol, lactate and oxytocin) measured before and after brushing were analyzed using linear models with repeated measures over time. Models included treatment and day fixed effects and treatment x day interaction. The brushing duration was shorter (P = 0.01) for the EE treatment (1.93 +/- 0.08 min) compared to the NE treatment (2.47 +/- 0.08 min). The animals in the NE treatment allowed longer tactile stimulation time than the EE animals throughout the management days. There was no treatment effect on serum lactate levels before toothbrushing (P > 0.05). After brushing, lactate concentration was lower for the EE treatment (P < 0.01). There was no treatment effect on cortisol before or after brushing. Mean oxytocin levels were higher for EE treatment before and after toothbrushing (P < 0.01). Brushing positively influences the well-being of group-housed calves raised in an enriched environment. Environmental enrichment is a low-cost tool with important positive effects.