Effects of brushing dairy calves on behaviour, physiology and genes expression

Author(s)

De-Sousa, Karolini Tenffen ; Miranda, Catiucia Oliveira ; Negrao, Joao Alberto ; Vercesi Filho, Anibal Eugenio ; Salles, Marcia Saladini Vieira ; Simili, Flavia Fernanda ; El Faro, Lenira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE; v. 282, p. 7-pg., 2024-12-16.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the effects of brushing calves and the weaning period (from pre- to post-weaning) on behaviour, physiology and gene expression of stress and welfare markers in crossbreed dairy calves. Seventeen crossbred (F1 Dairy Gyr x Holstein) female calves were housed in a pen with physical enrichments items (e.g., rubber balls, tires, chains, and scratchers) available during all experimental period (90 days). To evaluate the effects of brushing, 9 calves were brushed for up to 4 min./calf, during the first 30 days of the experiment. During the experimental period, we measured activity behaviors (lying down, walking, eating, idling, cross-sucking, and playing), physiological variables (cortisol, lactate, and oxytocin), and expression of different receptors (glucocorticoid, oxytocin, 5-hydroxytrypyamine and adrenoceptor beta 2) at three collection periods (pre-weaning, weaning, and post-weaning). All calves accepted being brushed for at least one minute on 60 % of the days. Brushed calves presented lower cortisol levels (p < 0.001) and higher oxytocin levels (p = 0.03) and tended toward lower expression of the HTR1B gene (p = 0.06) than non-brushed calves. There was influence (p < 0.05) of collection period on all variables assessed. Non-nutritive oral behaviour and idle decreased throughout the experimental period. Cortisol and oxytocin levels increased from pre- to post-weaning, while lactate levels decreased. All evaluated genes were downregulated from pre- thought post-weaning periods. Our findings suggest that changes in calves' behaviour, physiology, and gene expression appear to be related to weaning stress rather than brushing calves, but brushing can play a supportive role in helping calves cope with challenges periods. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/12148-1 - Effect of nutrition and tactile stimulation on performance, welfare and behavior of Gyr calves
• Grantee: Karolini Tenffen de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/50339-5 - Institutional research development plan of the Animal Science Institute (PDIp)
• Grantee: Lenira El Faro Zadra
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/00301-2 - Effect of tactile stimulation on the preference and usage of physical enrichment by crossbreed dairy calves
• Grantee: Karolini Tenffen de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor