Method:
The frequency of displacements is assessed using continuous behaviour sampling for a total of 1 hour. Observations may be divided into periods of at least 10 minutes, covering barn segments that include the feed area, lying area, and alleys. No more than 40 animals should be expected per segment. On farms requiring more than six segments, representative segments are selected.
Displacements are defined as interactions involving physical contact where the actor is butting, hitting, thrusting, striking, or pushing the receiver with the forehead, horns, horn base, or any other body part in a forceful manner. This contact results in the receiver giving up its position or resource, meaning the interaction is immediately followed by the receiver:
- leaving the feeding place by at least one cow width or half a cow length,
- or, in the lying area, leaving the cubicle.
Similar criteria apply to displacements in alleys.
Displacements are recorded according to location: feed area, lying area, and alleys. Interactions across segments are included if the actor’s head is located within the observed segment.
Displacement Score:
- Score 0: No displacement (no physical contact or no position/resource is given up)
- Score 1: Displacement occurred and the receiver gave up its position or resource
Classification:
Number of displacements per hour per average cow present in:
- Feed area
- Lying area
- Total area (feed area + lying area + alleys)