Human -animal relationship as factor of calf welfare in the first month of life

Abstract

Contact with a breeder is extremely important for the welfare of calves in the first month of life. In the intensive way of raising cattle, it is increasingly difficult to establish a good relationship between breeders and animals. The authors defined 12 criteria for assessing animal welfare, which they classify into four groups, one of which is good behaviour in terms of social and other forms of behaviour and a good human-animal relationship. This implies the absence of fear because fear is an important animal welfare problem. The attitude of farmers towards calves in the first month of life was examined on two farms with an intensive production system. The relationship of humanstocalves was assessed using the test of approach and touch. Farmers competence assessments on the surveyed farms were satisfactory. It is characteristic of both farms that breeders who handle calves do not have a formal education in the field in which they work. Accordingly, their knowledge and skills are based on many years of work experience.The approach and touch test indicated a positive relationship between breeders and calves. The largest number of calves allowed approaching 1 or 2 steps, and a significant number also allowed touch, while a negligible number of calves avoided eye contact, as the most unfavourable type of contact.