The behaviour of dairy cows and their newborn calves in individual or group housing

Continuous observations during the first 6 h post partum were made on 38 heifers and 44 cows calving in individual pens, and 11 heifers and 40 cows calving in group housing. Only 22% of group-housed cows isolated themselves at calving. Many interactions involving alien cows and calves were observed in a group-calving situation and resulted in 4 cases of desertion of a newborn calf. Such interactions most commonly involved newborn calves and cows close to parturition. Calves born in group housing moved away from their dam more and directed a high proportion of teat-seeking towards alien cows. 33% of calves cross-suckled during the first 6 h of life.