Betekenis desynchronisatie gedrag melkvee voor dierwelzijn = Consequences of behavioural desynchronisation of dairy cattle for welfare

This report describes a study on the relevance of behavioural synchronisation on animal welfare in general and consequences of reduced feed intake possibilities for housed dairy cattle in particular. It is shown that synchronisation of feed intake is limited with ad lib feed access. Limitations can decrease or increase synchronisation, but consequently result in more restlessness. Feed intake was not influenced by the limitations applied and did not result in significant changes in plasma cortisol or resistance parameters