Observed behaviour | Description |
---|---|
Play | |
Galloping/Running | Calf runs in circles, back and forth and/or in multiple and changeable directions |
Bucking | Calf lifts both hind legs from the ground, resulting in a kick where both hind legs are stretched backwards in the air |
Jumping and leap | Calf lifts both forelegs from the ground, and the hind legs may also be lifted from the ground at the end of the sequence |
Turn | Calf suddenly turns in another direction, usually in a jump or running sequence |
Head shake | Calf shakes or rotates its head |
Frontal pushing or butting | Calf pushes the frontal part of its head against another calf’s head |
Non-reproductive mounting | Calf lifts both forelegs to jump upon another calf’s back, side or head |
Butting fixtures | Calf puts the front of its head against an object in the pen such as the bars (usually performed in a standing position) |
Butting straw | Calf kneels in the straw and pushes the front of its head against the straw |
Rubbing straw | Calf kneels in the straw and rubs its head, throat or neck down into the straw |
Sucking | |
Sucking on other individuals | Calf sucks on another calf’s ears, udder, foreskin, navel or other head- and body parts |
Sucking on objects | Calf sucks on fixtures, including bars, buckets, teats, troughs and all other fixtures in the pen |
Licking objects | Non-functional licking on fixtures, including bars, buckets, teats, troughs or any other fixture in the pen |