CROSS-SUCKING IN GROUP-HOUSED DAIRY CALVES BEFORE AND AFTER WEANING OFF MILK

Two experiments were conducted to investigate some aspects of cross-sucking behaviour in group-housed calves; in particular how the frequency of cross-sucking changed once the calves were weaned off milk. In the first experiment 91 Swedish Red and White bull calves were observed on 20 different days for 3 min following their milk meal. In the second experiment 56 Swedish Red and White bull calves were observed for 20 min following each meal on Days 4, 3 and 1 before, and Days 1, 3 and 4 after weaning off milk. The frequency of cross-sucking did not change with time after purchase. After weaning the frequency of cross-sucking decreased significantly. The frequency of cross-sucking decreased with time after milk feeding; after 15 min it was at a level equal to that of calves being fed concentrate. Most of the cross-sucking was directed towards the mouth and ears, some towards the scrotum and only rarely towards the prepuce and other parts of the body of pen mates. The results suggest that cross-sucking is stimulated by the ingestion of milk, possibly through a feedback mechanism, increasing the motivation to perform sucking behaviour once milk has been ingested.