Effect of Tied and Free Housing Systems on Behavioural Activities and Welfare of Egyptian Buffalo Heifers

This study was conducted at Research Unit for Animal Behaviour, Menoufia University, Egypt to evaluate the effect of tied or free system on eating and rumination behaviours, stress signs, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters, which could be reflect animal's welfare. Eight Egyptian buffalo heifers were kept in tie-stall barn for four weeks then released from restraints for another four weeks after that tied them for another four weeks up to the end of experiment. Results indicated that, eating time (306.13 min/day) and rumination time (317.93 min/day) were longer in tied heifers than in free animals (178.66 and 306.40 min/day, respectively). The tied animals were acting more stressful than those free; where stepping, kicking and tail movements were more frequently in tied (27.73, 0.80and 115.93 time/day) than in free (16.13, 0.00 and 60.00 time/day respectively). Heifers did not show any aggression (av. Test score 1, 2) in both systems. The position of the ear was backward and down during eating, ruminating, and sleeping, being more obvious in tied animals than in free animals. Total leukocyte count was higher (P<0.05) in free animals (15.26 ×10 3 /uL) than in tied stalls (11.41 ×10 3 /uL). The percentage of undigested components of fecal yield was higher (P<0.05) in free than in tied animals. It could be concluded that the free heifers were more comfortable and in better emotional status. The level of free animals' immunity and their readiness to adapt and face dangers were higher. The tied animals might have a better digestion status.