Environmental enrichment with music during milking: effect on production, milk quality and cow behaviour

Abstract

The research was carried out at the Nero experimental farm of the University of Cuenca. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of two musical genres on production, milk quality and animal behavior during the milking process. For this, 33 multiparous Holstein cows were evaluated for five consecutive weeks, which were within the first third of their milk production. The variables analyzed were daily milk production (Lts/day), milk quality (fat, non-fat solids, protein and somatic cell count) and animal behavior was assessed using an ethogram (movement of the head, ears, tail, hind limbs, mooing, urination and defecation). The first week was considered as the control treatment, the second as a classical music genre setting, in the third this genre was evaluated, in the fourth week the electronic music genre was set and in the fifth week the evaluations of the same were taken. The implementation of music during milking did not influence the milk production of 13.6 ± 0.66 Lts/day (1st week), 14.1 ± 0.53 Lts/day (3rd week) and 5th week 15.4 ± 0.87 Lts/day. The same occurred with the percentage of fat, non-fat solids and protein; however, the animals when exposed to the two musical genres substantially decreased the number of somatic cells (P < 0.05); in addition, they were calmer since they made fewer movements of the head, tail, hind limbs, mooing, defecations and urinations (P < 0.01). It is concluded that adding music to the milking parlor allows animals to improve their behavior, which is reflected in higher milk quality.