Effects of Group, Individual, and Isolated Rearing of Calves on Weight Gain and Behavior

Abstract

Thirty-six Holstein dairy calves were observed for 4 mo to determine the effect of three housing systems (group, individual, and isolated) on gain in body weight, feed consumption, age when concentrate eating commenced, daily pattern of activity, reaction to open field test, and social rank. Six calves were assigned to each of the three treatments in two separate trials. Calves were in treatments for approximately 10 wk after which they were weaned and placed together in groups of 13 for 7 additional wk. Order of greatest weight gain over 4 mo was group, individual, and isolated. Group calves gained faster post-weaning than isolated calves. Group calves commenced eating concentrate at an earlier age than calves on the other two treatments, but total feed consumed was not different during the first 10 wk. Isolated calves tended to spend a greater percentage of the time in recumbency. During an open field test isolated calves entered more squares than group or individually reared calves. Group calves were the most vocal. Group calves ranked highest in the social hierarchy in post-weaning groups.