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Dam/Offspring Interaction

Dam/Offspring Interaction. Dam/Offspring Interaction. What type of relationship is it? Care giving and care seeking Giving on the part of the mother, known as “Maternal” Care seeking on the part of the young Begin shortly after birth & extend until the young are weaned.

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Dam/Offspring Interaction

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  1. Dam/Offspring Interaction

  2. Dam/Offspring Interaction • What type of relationship is it? • Care giving and care seeking • Giving on the part of the mother, known as “Maternal” • Care seeking on the part of the young • Begin shortly after birth & extend until the young are weaned

  3. Pre-Calving Behavior • At calving cows will seek isolation • Where they can find a place to hide out • Why?

  4. Post-Calving Behavior • Following birth the care giving behavior begins almost immediately • the dam will get up & lick her calf to dry it • Some cows will simultaneously lick & vocalize to the calf • the calf attempts to stand, the cow may become very attentive & nervous as the calf stands, takes a few steps & falls • the calf eventually makes its way to its feet & instinctively searches for a teat • Why is this important?

  5. The Newborn Calf • Cannot see well, but can smell, touch, taste & hear • Associates the security & care that it receives with its mother • this is the beginning of the herding instinct

  6. Calving on Pasture • Cow usually hides her calf • While the calf sleeps, the cow will graze • At intervals she will return to feed her calf • If the cow must leave to seek water or supplemental feed, she doesn't wander far

  7. Baby-sitting Behavior • Where there are a number of newborn calves: • Part of a group of mothers will leave for feed or water, while one or two remain with all of the calves • When the first cow returns, the “baby-sitters” will take their turn and depart • In this way there are always older cows with calves • Why doesn’t this work with a group of heifers?

  8. Protective Behavior • If a calf is approached by a human it will usually lie as close to the ground as possible, without any movement except its eyes. • If frightened, the calf will bawl or cry out • If mother hears the cry, she will come quickly, often ready to fight • If there are other cows in the area, they may join the response

  9. Recognition Between Dam & Calf • When the calf is older recognition between dam & calf is by: • smell • sight • sound • Cows will sniff the calf after being away for a time • A calf recognizes its mother’s call

  10. Attachment Between Cow & Calf • Attachment of the cow to the calf is very strong • the calf will accept separation with less stress than will the dam • Calves that are removed from their mothers during the first hour or so after birth are frequently rejected when reunited

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