Responses of Dairy Cows to Alternating Electrical Current Administered Semirandomly in a Nonavoidance Environment

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Eight Holstein cows were assigned to 2 groups of 4 each, and a switchback design was used. Treatments were 4 mA of AC and no current. Four periods were each 96 h. Current was applied across subdermal electrodes, located on each cow''s spine for 30 s, with a 30 s rest period between exposures for 5 min. Cows received current every 4 h for four 24 h intervals. No individual cow received current at the same time every day. Milk yield was reduced 0.16 kg/milking by exposure to 4 mA current. This decrease was not statistically significant. Percent milk fat and milk protein were not changed by current. Overall numbers of milk somatic cells were variable during the experiment. They increased during exposure to current, yet the increase was not statistically significant. Overall mean feed consumption and water consumption were not affected by treatments. The greatest behavorial response to current was upon initial exposure. Cows became accustomed to shock within 24 h of exposure. By the end of the fourth 96 h period of exposure, behavioral responses to current were almost extinct. Exposing cows to 4 mA of AC, in a semirandomized nonavoidance environment, for 4 consecutive 24 h intervals does not alter milk yield, milk composition or intake of feed and water.