Alterations in Rumination, Eating, Drinking and Locomotion Behavior in Dairy Cows Affected by Subclinical Ketosis and Subclinical Acidosis

Simple Summary This study investigates the impact of subclinical ketosis (SCK) and subclinical acidosis (SCA) on dairy cow rumination, eating, drinking and locomotion behavior. It focuses on cows in their second or subsequent lactation, producing an average of 12,000 kg/year milk in their previous lactation. The cows were categorized into three groups, SCK, SCA, and healthy cows, based on the milk fat-protein ratio, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate and clinical examinations by a veterinarian. The results show significant differences between the cows affected by SCK and the healthy cows. SCK leads to a reduction in the milk yield (11.78%), rumination time (17.47%), and various eating and chewing behaviors. SCA is associated with a substantial decrease in Eating Time 2 (ET2) by 36.84% and Eating Chews 2 (EC2) by 38.10% compared to the healthy cows. These findings highlight the influence of SCA on feeding behaviors and chewing activity, with implications for nutrient intake and cow health. Additionally, SCK affects locomotion parameters, leading to a 27.36% reduction in the overall activity levels, as well as reductions in the Walking Time (WT), Other Activity Time (OAT), and Activity Change (AC). Early detection and effective management of SCK are crucial for maintaining dairy cow health and productivity. In conclusion, this research underscores the need for advanced strategies to prevent and manage subclinical metabolic disorders in the dairy industry. Effective management and early detection methods are essential to mitigate the impact of SCK and SCA on dairy cow health and benefit the dairy farming sector.Abstract This study delves into the effects of subclinical ketosis (SCK) and subclinical acidosis (SCA) on various parameters related to dairy cow rumination, eating, drinking and locomotion behavior. The research hypothesized that these subclinical metabolic disorders could affect behaviors such as rumination, feeding, and locomotion. A total of 320 dairy cows, with a focus on those in their second or subsequent lactation, producing an average of 12,000 kg/year milk in their previous lactation, were examined. These cows were classified into three groups: those with SCK, those with SCA, and healthy cows. The health status of the cows was determined based on the milk fat-protein ratio, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, and the results of clinical examinations performed by a veterinarian. The data collected during the study included parameters from the RumiWatch sensors. The results revealed significant differences between the cows affected by SCK and the healthy cows, with reductions observed in the rumination time (17.47%) and various eating and chewing behaviors. These changes indicated that SCK had a substantial impact on the cows' behavior. In the context of SCA, the study found significant reductions in Eating Time 2 (ET2) of 36.84% when compared to the healthy cows. Additionally, Eating Chews 2 (EC2) exhibited a significant reduction in the SCA group, with an average of 312.06 units (+/- 17.93), compared to the healthy group's average of 504.20 units (+/- 18.87). These findings emphasize that SCA influences feeding behaviors and chewing activity, which can have implications for nutrient intake and overall cow health. The study also highlights the considerable impact of SCK on locomotion parameters, as the cows with SCK exhibited a 27.36% reduction in the walking time levels. These cows also displayed reductions in the Walking Time (WT), Other Activity Time (OAT), and Activity Change (AC). In conclusion, this research underscores the critical need for advanced strategies to prevent and manage subclinical metabolic disorders within the dairy farming industry. The study findings have far-reaching implications for enhancing the well-being and performance of dairy cattle. Effective management practices and detection methods are essential to mitigate the impact of SCK and SCA on dairy cow health and productivity, ultimately benefiting the dairy farming sector.