Facility
for
Exercising
Dairy
Cows 1 M. J. A N D E R S O N ~ , R. C. L A M B 2 , C. H. M I C K E L S E N ~ , J. T. B L A K E 3 , J. D. O L S E N 2 , and C. W. A R A V E 3 2Agricultural Research Service, U S D A Utah State University, U M C 48 Logan 8 4 3 2 2 3 Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Utah State University, U M C 4 8 Logan 8 4 3 2 2
ABSTRACT
That dairy cows housed in confinement might benefit if they were exercised during the dry period prompted development of a facility for exercising dairy cows. Two models of the exerciser, which consist of a circular lane and a driving mechanism powered by a variable speed electric motor, are described. A speed of 3.5 km per h provides a steady but comfortable pace for pregnant dairy cows and heifers. Many animals refused to go at speeds greater than 5.5 km per h. INTRODUCTION
Recent trends indicate a decreasing number of dairy cows on pastures and an increasing number confined to dry lots with limited space and limited physical activity. Because of inactivity during confinement, it is hypothesized (4) that the general condition, muscle tone, and functional efficiency of the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems of the dry cow decline before parturition. Parturition places stress on the cow. Appetite generally is reduced during the dry period and reduced even further immediately after parturition, a time when nutrient requirements are increasing markedly. Milk production usually peaks about 44 days after parturition (6). However, feed intake increases much slower and does not peak until 94 days after parturition (6). As a result, the animal must draw upon her body energy reserves to meet the needs of high production. Moe et al. (7) compared the efficiency of converting feed nutrients directly into milk with that of con-
Received November 15, 1976. 1Research paper #2117 of Utah Agricultural Ex-
periment Station.
verting feed nutrients to b o d y reserves during the dry period and then reconverting to milk. The latter process is not as efficient as the former. Some mechanism to stimulate feed intake immediately after parturition is needed. Exercise has been postulated by the authors to be such a mechanism. Cows in severe negative energy balance fail to czcle regularly or to exhibit estrus (5, 10). Thus, it is sometimes difficult to get an undernourished cow pregnant after parturition. A more favorable energy balance during early lactation, accompanied by a healthier reproductive system, could result in higher conception rate during this period. General recommendations (8) discourage permitting cows to get too fat during the dry period. One of the disadvantages is the fat cow syndrome, which increases incidence of disease after calving. Because of the sluggish nature of the cow, the assumption can be made that she lacks muscle tone. The question is asked whether the increased incidence o f dystocia is due to overconditioning per se or to lack of muscle tone. Considering the preceding possibilities, an exercise study was started with dry cows and heifers in late gestation. It was necessary to design and develop equipment which could control the amount of exercise. This report describes the equipment and procedures in studying controlled exercise in dairy cattle.
DEVELOPMENT A N D TESTING
The initial exerciser was a circular lane 7.32 m in diameter made from straight metal tubing panels 2.46 m long and 1.54 m high. The panels were positioned to form a lane .92 m wide, but the width varied up to 1.60 m because the panels forming the inner and outer fences were the same length. Cows were driven by four metal grids about .65 m 2 hanging from hori-
1173
1174
ANDERSON ET A L
zontal arms which were rotated f r o m a used t r u c k axle positioned vertically in the center of the exerciser. The axle was driven by a 2.7 MJ electric m o t o r which was c o n n e c t e d to the axle through a four-speed truck transmission. The variability in the width of the lane f r o m angles f o r m e d by straight panels s o m e t i m e s allowed animals to walk t w o abreast, pass each other, a t t e m p t to stop in a wide spot, or j o c k e y for position. J o c k e y i n g for position caused greater e x e r t i o n than normal; walking and stopping deprived the allotted exercise. Use of a single speed m o t o r and the truck transmission resulted in two usable speeds. One speed, in lowest gear, was 2.90 km per h which was a slow walk, and cows could stop m o m e n tarily at this speed. The n e x t speed was 5.47 km per h which was a fast walk for cows and probably a practical upper speed limit for exercising cows. Gears three and f o u r were t o o fast for the cows or e q u i p m e n t . Experience gained with the original exerciser was useful in designing a second (present) facility. This facility has a walking lane 30.60 m in circumference with a u n i f o r m width of .91 m. Cows can go only single file. The fences, which were c o n s t r u c t e d of curved metal tubing, are 1.85 m high and have six rails (Fig. 1). A 5.4 MJ m o t o r with a 20.3 to 203 rpm c o n t i n u o u s variable-speed drive was used to replace the single speed 2.7 MJ motor. The transmission, axle, and frame for the driving m e c h a n i s m are the ones described above. The m o t o r and driving m e c h a n i s m are in Fig. 2. Gates were c o n s t r u c t e d to replace the metal grids for driving the animals. These gates e x t e n d e d vertically f r o m each of the arms and were hinged to t h e arms so as to ride over the back o f a c o w if she refused to move. This
FIG. 1. Exercise facility. Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 60, No. 7
FIG. 2, Motor, driving mechanism, and supporting frame. Exhibit of a brand-name product does not constitute an endorsement of the product or company by either the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Utah State University.
prevents injury to the cow and reduces breakage of the driving mechanism. Gates are in Fig. 3.
FIG. 3. Driving gates.
TECHNICAL NOTE APPLICATION AND CONCLUSIONS
T h e exercise u n i t can be used to drive o n e to f o u r cows at c o n t r o l l e d speed. Cows generally r e q u i r e 2 t o 5 days t o b e c o m e t r a i n e d t o use t h e exerciser. Practically all cows can b e t r a i n e d w i t h i n 1 wk. However, cows o c c a s i o n a l l y t r y t o get o u t o f t h e exerciser, refuse t o walk, a n d will even lie d o w n . T h e s e p r o b l e m s o c c u r m o r e f r e q u e n t l y in a t t e m p t s t o get cows t o walk long d i s t a n c e s b e f o r e t h e y have b e e n t r a i n e d a n d c o n d i t i o n e d a d e q u a t e l y . T r a i n e d cows can be used advantageously in i n t r o d u c i n g n e w cows t o a n exercise p r o g r a m . A wire f r o m an electric f e n c e c o n t r o l l e r is a t t a c h e d to each gate f o r use in training. This device is generally n o t necessary o n c e a n i m a l s are t r a i n e d . A s p e e d o f 3.54 k m per h p r o v i d e s a s t e a d y b u t c o m f o r t a b l e pace f o r p r e g n a n t dairy cows a n d heifers. A f a s t e r speed, 5.47 k m per h forces a n i m a l s t o e x e r t t h e m s e l v e s b u t still r e m a i n at a walk. U n d e r c e r t a i n e x p e r i m e n t a l c o n d i t i o n s , speeds f a s t e r t h a n this are used; h o w e v e r , m a n y a n i m a l s refuse t o go faster. T h e usual p r a c t i c e is t o exercise o n e t o f o u r a n i m a l s a t a t i m e a t c o n t r o l l e d speeds. However, u p to eight a n i m a l s can be placed in t h e exerciser. This e q u i p m e n t for exercise is being used to s t u d y effects o f exercise on p r o d u c t i v i ty, f e e d i n t a k e , h e a l t h , a n d physiological condit i o n o f d a i r y cows (2, 4, 9). P r e l i m i n a r y studies (1, 3) i n d i c a t e b e n e f i t s f r o m exercise. T h e o p t i m u m a m o u n t o f exercise f o r m a x i m u m
1175
b e n e f i t needs t o be d e t e r m i n e d . This s h o u l d i n c l u d e rates a n d distances w a l k e d a n d t i m e prior t o calving to i n i t i a t e exercise. REFERENCES
1 Anderson, M. J., R. C. Lamb, and C. H. Mickelsen. 1976. Feed intake and milk production of dairy animals on forced exercise. Program 71st Annual Meeting, Amer. Dairy Sci. Ass., p. 86. (Abstr.) 2 Arave, C. W., J. L. Waiters, C. H. Mickelsen, and R. C. Lamb. 1976. The effects of prepartum exercise on five blood traits of cows. Program 71st Annual Meeting, Amer. Dairy Sei. Ass., p. 102. (Abstr.) 3 Barker, B. O., R. C. Lamb, and C. H. Mickelsen. 1975. Effect of prepartum exercise on first calf heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 58:749. (Abstr.) 4 Blake, J. T., J. D. Olsen, R. C. Lamb, C. H. Mickelsen, and B. O. Barker. 1975. Body condition of cattle held in confinement. J. Dairy Sci. 58:776. (Abstr.) 5 HoUon, B. F., and C. Branton. 1971. Effects of early postpartum weight changes on reproductive performance of dairy animals. J. Dairy Sci. 54:787. (Abstr.) 6 Lamb, R. C., and M. J. Anderson. 1976. Unpublished data. Utah Agr. Exp. Sta. UMC 48, Logan. 7 Moe, P. W., H. F. Tyrrell, and W. P. Flatt. 1971. Energetics of body tissue metabolism. J. Dairy Sci. 54: 548. 8 Morrow, D. A. 1976. Fat cows have more disease problems at calving. Hoard's Dairyman 121:747. 9 0 l s e n , J. D., J. T. Blake, and R. C. Lamb. 1975. A standardized exercise test for dairy cows. 1. Maximal heart rate response. J. Dairy Sci. 58:775. (Abstr.) 10 Oxenreider, S. L., and W. C. Wagner. 1971. Effect of lactation and energy intake on postpartum ovarian activity in the cow. J. Anita. Sci. 33:1026.
Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 60, No. 7
for
Exercising
Dairy
Cows 1 M. J. A N D E R S O N ~ , R. C. L A M B 2 , C. H. M I C K E L S E N ~ , J. T. B L A K E 3 , J. D. O L S E N 2 , and C. W. A R A V E 3 2Agricultural Research Service, U S D A Utah State University, U M C 48 Logan 8 4 3 2 2 3 Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences Utah State University, U M C 4 8 Logan 8 4 3 2 2
ABSTRACT
That dairy cows housed in confinement might benefit if they were exercised during the dry period prompted development of a facility for exercising dairy cows. Two models of the exerciser, which consist of a circular lane and a driving mechanism powered by a variable speed electric motor, are described. A speed of 3.5 km per h provides a steady but comfortable pace for pregnant dairy cows and heifers. Many animals refused to go at speeds greater than 5.5 km per h. INTRODUCTION
Recent trends indicate a decreasing number of dairy cows on pastures and an increasing number confined to dry lots with limited space and limited physical activity. Because of inactivity during confinement, it is hypothesized (4) that the general condition, muscle tone, and functional efficiency of the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems of the dry cow decline before parturition. Parturition places stress on the cow. Appetite generally is reduced during the dry period and reduced even further immediately after parturition, a time when nutrient requirements are increasing markedly. Milk production usually peaks about 44 days after parturition (6). However, feed intake increases much slower and does not peak until 94 days after parturition (6). As a result, the animal must draw upon her body energy reserves to meet the needs of high production. Moe et al. (7) compared the efficiency of converting feed nutrients directly into milk with that of con-
Received November 15, 1976. 1Research paper #2117 of Utah Agricultural Ex-
periment Station.
verting feed nutrients to b o d y reserves during the dry period and then reconverting to milk. The latter process is not as efficient as the former. Some mechanism to stimulate feed intake immediately after parturition is needed. Exercise has been postulated by the authors to be such a mechanism. Cows in severe negative energy balance fail to czcle regularly or to exhibit estrus (5, 10). Thus, it is sometimes difficult to get an undernourished cow pregnant after parturition. A more favorable energy balance during early lactation, accompanied by a healthier reproductive system, could result in higher conception rate during this period. General recommendations (8) discourage permitting cows to get too fat during the dry period. One of the disadvantages is the fat cow syndrome, which increases incidence of disease after calving. Because of the sluggish nature of the cow, the assumption can be made that she lacks muscle tone. The question is asked whether the increased incidence o f dystocia is due to overconditioning per se or to lack of muscle tone. Considering the preceding possibilities, an exercise study was started with dry cows and heifers in late gestation. It was necessary to design and develop equipment which could control the amount of exercise. This report describes the equipment and procedures in studying controlled exercise in dairy cattle.
DEVELOPMENT A N D TESTING
The initial exerciser was a circular lane 7.32 m in diameter made from straight metal tubing panels 2.46 m long and 1.54 m high. The panels were positioned to form a lane .92 m wide, but the width varied up to 1.60 m because the panels forming the inner and outer fences were the same length. Cows were driven by four metal grids about .65 m 2 hanging from hori-
1173
1174
ANDERSON ET A L
zontal arms which were rotated f r o m a used t r u c k axle positioned vertically in the center of the exerciser. The axle was driven by a 2.7 MJ electric m o t o r which was c o n n e c t e d to the axle through a four-speed truck transmission. The variability in the width of the lane f r o m angles f o r m e d by straight panels s o m e t i m e s allowed animals to walk t w o abreast, pass each other, a t t e m p t to stop in a wide spot, or j o c k e y for position. J o c k e y i n g for position caused greater e x e r t i o n than normal; walking and stopping deprived the allotted exercise. Use of a single speed m o t o r and the truck transmission resulted in two usable speeds. One speed, in lowest gear, was 2.90 km per h which was a slow walk, and cows could stop m o m e n tarily at this speed. The n e x t speed was 5.47 km per h which was a fast walk for cows and probably a practical upper speed limit for exercising cows. Gears three and f o u r were t o o fast for the cows or e q u i p m e n t . Experience gained with the original exerciser was useful in designing a second (present) facility. This facility has a walking lane 30.60 m in circumference with a u n i f o r m width of .91 m. Cows can go only single file. The fences, which were c o n s t r u c t e d of curved metal tubing, are 1.85 m high and have six rails (Fig. 1). A 5.4 MJ m o t o r with a 20.3 to 203 rpm c o n t i n u o u s variable-speed drive was used to replace the single speed 2.7 MJ motor. The transmission, axle, and frame for the driving m e c h a n i s m are the ones described above. The m o t o r and driving m e c h a n i s m are in Fig. 2. Gates were c o n s t r u c t e d to replace the metal grids for driving the animals. These gates e x t e n d e d vertically f r o m each of the arms and were hinged to t h e arms so as to ride over the back o f a c o w if she refused to move. This
FIG. 1. Exercise facility. Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 60, No. 7
FIG. 2, Motor, driving mechanism, and supporting frame. Exhibit of a brand-name product does not constitute an endorsement of the product or company by either the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Utah State University.
prevents injury to the cow and reduces breakage of the driving mechanism. Gates are in Fig. 3.
FIG. 3. Driving gates.
TECHNICAL NOTE APPLICATION AND CONCLUSIONS
T h e exercise u n i t can be used to drive o n e to f o u r cows at c o n t r o l l e d speed. Cows generally r e q u i r e 2 t o 5 days t o b e c o m e t r a i n e d t o use t h e exerciser. Practically all cows can b e t r a i n e d w i t h i n 1 wk. However, cows o c c a s i o n a l l y t r y t o get o u t o f t h e exerciser, refuse t o walk, a n d will even lie d o w n . T h e s e p r o b l e m s o c c u r m o r e f r e q u e n t l y in a t t e m p t s t o get cows t o walk long d i s t a n c e s b e f o r e t h e y have b e e n t r a i n e d a n d c o n d i t i o n e d a d e q u a t e l y . T r a i n e d cows can be used advantageously in i n t r o d u c i n g n e w cows t o a n exercise p r o g r a m . A wire f r o m an electric f e n c e c o n t r o l l e r is a t t a c h e d to each gate f o r use in training. This device is generally n o t necessary o n c e a n i m a l s are t r a i n e d . A s p e e d o f 3.54 k m per h p r o v i d e s a s t e a d y b u t c o m f o r t a b l e pace f o r p r e g n a n t dairy cows a n d heifers. A f a s t e r speed, 5.47 k m per h forces a n i m a l s t o e x e r t t h e m s e l v e s b u t still r e m a i n at a walk. U n d e r c e r t a i n e x p e r i m e n t a l c o n d i t i o n s , speeds f a s t e r t h a n this are used; h o w e v e r , m a n y a n i m a l s refuse t o go faster. T h e usual p r a c t i c e is t o exercise o n e t o f o u r a n i m a l s a t a t i m e a t c o n t r o l l e d speeds. However, u p to eight a n i m a l s can be placed in t h e exerciser. This e q u i p m e n t for exercise is being used to s t u d y effects o f exercise on p r o d u c t i v i ty, f e e d i n t a k e , h e a l t h , a n d physiological condit i o n o f d a i r y cows (2, 4, 9). P r e l i m i n a r y studies (1, 3) i n d i c a t e b e n e f i t s f r o m exercise. T h e o p t i m u m a m o u n t o f exercise f o r m a x i m u m
1175
b e n e f i t needs t o be d e t e r m i n e d . This s h o u l d i n c l u d e rates a n d distances w a l k e d a n d t i m e prior t o calving to i n i t i a t e exercise. REFERENCES
1 Anderson, M. J., R. C. Lamb, and C. H. Mickelsen. 1976. Feed intake and milk production of dairy animals on forced exercise. Program 71st Annual Meeting, Amer. Dairy Sci. Ass., p. 86. (Abstr.) 2 Arave, C. W., J. L. Waiters, C. H. Mickelsen, and R. C. Lamb. 1976. The effects of prepartum exercise on five blood traits of cows. Program 71st Annual Meeting, Amer. Dairy Sei. Ass., p. 102. (Abstr.) 3 Barker, B. O., R. C. Lamb, and C. H. Mickelsen. 1975. Effect of prepartum exercise on first calf heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 58:749. (Abstr.) 4 Blake, J. T., J. D. Olsen, R. C. Lamb, C. H. Mickelsen, and B. O. Barker. 1975. Body condition of cattle held in confinement. J. Dairy Sci. 58:776. (Abstr.) 5 HoUon, B. F., and C. Branton. 1971. Effects of early postpartum weight changes on reproductive performance of dairy animals. J. Dairy Sci. 54:787. (Abstr.) 6 Lamb, R. C., and M. J. Anderson. 1976. Unpublished data. Utah Agr. Exp. Sta. UMC 48, Logan. 7 Moe, P. W., H. F. Tyrrell, and W. P. Flatt. 1971. Energetics of body tissue metabolism. J. Dairy Sci. 54: 548. 8 Morrow, D. A. 1976. Fat cows have more disease problems at calving. Hoard's Dairyman 121:747. 9 0 l s e n , J. D., J. T. Blake, and R. C. Lamb. 1975. A standardized exercise test for dairy cows. 1. Maximal heart rate response. J. Dairy Sci. 58:775. (Abstr.) 10 Oxenreider, S. L., and W. C. Wagner. 1971. Effect of lactation and energy intake on postpartum ovarian activity in the cow. J. Anita. Sci. 33:1026.
Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 60, No. 7
