Effects Of Stocking Density On Social, Feeding And Lying Behavior Of Prepartum Dairy Animals

Jan 13, 2015

Concern over animal well-being and morbidity and mortality losses have stimulated more research in the area of transition cow management and behavior.

Two resources highly valued by cows are lying and feeding space. Lactating cows spend approximately 12 to 13 h/d lying down and 5 to 6 h/d feeding. Lying has a higher priority for cows than eating and social contact when these behaviors are restricted.

UW-Extension Clark County Dairy Agent Karen Lutcherhand conducted a study to determine the effects of prepartum stocking density on social, lying and feeding behavior of dairy animals, and the relationship between social rank and stocking density while completing her PhD at the University of Minnesota. The study is highlighted in a Dairy Herd Management Research Nugget Effect of stocking density on social, feeding and lying behavior of prepartum dairy animals.

Source:uwex.edu

Video: Seaweed-Based Solutions: Building Natural Performance in Modern Swine Production

In today’s pork industry, producers are under increasing pressure to do more with fewer inputs—while maintaining performance, improving animal health, and meeting sustainability expectations.

we sit down with Sylvain David and Scott Preston from Olmix to explore how seaweed-based solutions are emerging as a foundational tool in modern swine nutrition.

Rather than acting as simple alternatives, these solutions are designed to support gut health, immune resilience, and overall system consistency—especially during key stress periods like weaning, feed transitions, and disease challenges.

The conversation dives into:

• What seaweed-based solutions actually are and how they work

• Why consistency and standardization matter in “natural” products

• How gut health connects to immune function and performance

• Where producers are seeing real-world impact today

• The role of natural solutions in the future of sustainable pork production