Assessing personality in dairy cows: links to production and welfare

In this project, we aim to assess the personality of dairy cows and their association with welfare. The ultimate goal is to have a better understanding of the different individual traits (of personality, health and performance) that compose a functional, stable and better-adapted dairy cow with a higher welfare level. We will perform different behavioural tests, behavioural observations at the individual/group level and assess their production traits. The experiment will be carried out at the Lövsta Research Centre during September 2023.

If you are interested to take part in this project to develop your Master's thesis, please get in touch with us. It is a large project and there are several opportunities to be engaged.

Contact:

Associate Professor Daiana de Oliveira daiana.oliveira@slu.se

Kirste McCrea (PhD student) kirste.mccrea@slu.se