Contented cows make happier staff

Chris Leach, of DairyNZ, and farm dairying specialist Mel Eden, share a passion for interpreting cow behaviour and helping farmers “get inside the cows’ heads”. By understanding animals, farmers will improve job satisfaction for staff and their financial results, these men say.

In March they will present a workshop – ‘Interpreting cow behaviour’ – at the Dairy Women’s Network annual conference in Nelson.

Leach says farm policy is what dictates practice. 

“Understanding that a cow is hardwired as a prey animal, which makes it naturally fearful and influences how it sees and reacts to the world around it, is a fascinating subject , and we can use that information to help us become better stock handlers and have happier staff and animals.

“Research shows that happy cows produce more milk and decrease farm working expenses.  If a cow is stressed in the yard, her milk let-down can be affected for as much as 30 minutes.”

Co-presenter Mel Eden has travelled the world helping on dairy shed design to improve animal welfare and production and mastitis control. He has worked in South America and Fiji, and presented in Australia and the UK. He is an independent farm consultant and also works closely with DairyNZ on its Milksmart programme.

“Some of the changes farmers can make are small but make a big difference to the entire milking experience for both animals and people,” says Eden.

“For example, cows remember clothing, not people – so if you are doing a job that is going to cause discomfort or pain for the cow, like calving, don’t wear the clothes you wear to the milking shed, or suddenly milking is going to be a fearful experience for the cow and a totally different experience for you.”

The ‘Interpreting cow behaviour’ workshop  will provide practical learning including handling bulls and recognising unusual behaviour that requires closer attention.

Tel. 0800 396 748

www.dwn.co.nz