Given the increasing concerns from consumers regarding the welfare of cows, particularly calves, it is crucial to prioritize and ensure the well-being of the animals. However, this responsibility should not be viewed only as an obligation, but also as an opportunity to enhance both animal comfort and production outcomes. In this episode, we delve into calf welfare with the comprehensive considerations of Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon. She talks about the pros and cons of individual and group housing systems, strategies to reduce abnormal behaviors and cross-suckling in calves, as well as holistic approaches for managing calves until weaning.

“We have observed that animals develop preferences for feeds that others are eating. They even learn where to go and what to eat from others, so that social environment is really critical.” - Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) Highlight
(01:45) Introduction
(06:50) The feeding behavior of calves in group housing
(14:59) The abnormal suckling behaviors of calves
(20:24) The long-term impacts of social behavior on calves
(25:50) Calf social housing
(30:02) Interactions between calves and humans
(38:23) The final questions

Meet the guest: Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

Experience:

Current: Associate Professor at the University of Florida
Past: Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior at the University of Florida; Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Guelph

Background:

Ph.D., Animal Behavior and Welfare (the University of Guelph)
B.Sc.; Mathematical Physics, Biophysics (the University of Waterloo)

Connect with the guest!

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon: Welfare-Focused Calf Management | Ep. 41