Dam/Offspring Interaction

What type of relationship is it? –Care giving and care seeking Giving on the part of the mother, known as “Maternal” Care seeking on the part of the young –Begin shortly after birth & extend until the young are weaned

Pre-Calving Behavior At calving cows will seek isolation –Where they can find a place to hide out Why?

Post-Calving Behavior Following birth the care giving behavior begins almost immediately –the dam will get up & lick her calf to dry it –Some cows will simultaneously lick & vocalize to the calf –the calf attempts to stand, the cow may become very attentive & nervous as the calf stands, takes a few steps & falls –the calf eventually makes its way to its feet & instinctively searches for a teat Why is this important?

The Newborn Calf Cannot see well, but can smell, touch, taste & hear Associates the security & care that it receives with its mother –this is the beginning of the herding instinct

Calving on Pasture Cow usually hides her calf While the calf sleeps, the cow will graze –At intervals she will return to feed her calf If the cow must leave to seek water or supplemental feed, she doesn't wander far

Baby-sitting Behavior Where there are a number of newborn calves: –Part of a group of mothers will leave for feed or water, while one or two remain with all of the calves –When the first cow returns, the “baby-sitters” will take their turn and depart –In this way there are always older cows with calves Why doesn’t this work with a group of heifers?

Protective Behavior If a calf is approached by a human it will usually lie as close to the ground as possible, without any movement except its eyes. If frightened, the calf will bawl or cry out If mother hears the cry, she will come quickly, often ready to fight If there are other cows in the area, they may join the response

Recognition Between Dam & Calf When the calf is older recognition between dam & calf is by: –smell –sight –sound Cows will sniff the calf after being away for a time A calf recognizes its mother’s call

Attachment Between Cow & Calf Attachment of the cow to the calf is very strong –the calf will accept separation with less stress than will the dam Calves that are removed from their mothers during the first hour or so after birth are frequently rejected when reunited