Behavioral variable | Definition |
---|---|
During laser stimulation | |
Tail flick | The tail is flicked at least 5 cm to either side. A new event is recorded after a complete cycle of tail movement [12]. |
Tail pressing | The cow is pressing the central part of the tail against the base of the udder [13]. |
Muscle twitch | Contraction of single muscle group. A new event is recorded after a pause of at least 5 seconds. |
Type of initial response toward stimulation | |
Kicking | The hoof is thrusted against the floor or withdrawn at high speed [12]. |
Lifting leg | The hoof is lifted from the floor in a calm manner [12]. |
Stepping | The leg is moved, but the hoof is not lifted from the floor. |
No response | The leg is not moved within the temporal limits of the test [12]. |
Behavior during 30 s after exposure | |
Moving hind leg | At least one hind leg is moved. The hoof does not have to be lifted from the floor. |
Licking leg | The cow licks the exposed hind leg or attempts to do so by turning the head against the hind leg. |
Licking body | The cow licks other body parts than the hind legs. |
Lying down | The cow changes posture from standing to lying. |