For the training group, grain was used as a food reinforcement to progress through the stages. Heifers were trained to touch a target with their muzzle; this target was then gradually moved until the animals were fully entering the chute.
Control heifers were also familiarized with the same chute but were not provided a food reward and were instead guided by a handler using words of encouragement, calm body movements, and gentle nudging to prevent them from backing up.
To assess how these two groups of animals perceived their experience, the researchers recorded anticipatory and play behaviors during the period when the heifers were waiting in the start box before entering the training area to start their daily training session.
Heinsius explained, “Overall, the dairy heifers trained with positive reinforcement showed more anticipatory behaviors in the start box than the control group; specifically, they transitioned between behaviors more frequently, indicating they were anticipating the start of their training sessions and the food reward.”
The training group also displayed more play behavior, such as jumping and running, indicating that the animals considered the training experience to be positive.
Heinsius elaborated, “Critically, the increases in play behaviors suggest that positive reinforcement training had a positive effect on the animals’ emotional state before handling, and to our knowledge this study is the first to assess the effect of training on emotional states in cattle.”
The study team stressed the need for further research—such as the long-term benefits of the training—and underscored the practical limitations attached to the time investment required to teach and train individual cows.
Heinsius outlined, “We hope to see future work to improve the efficiency of training methods and working with cattle earlier in life. And promising automated approaches might be developed using existing on-farm automation such as computerized feeders.”
Overall, this initial study is a first step to understanding the effectiveness of training heifers using positive reinforcement, and the results suggest it could be an important tool to help relieve stress and fear during important on-farm events in a dairy cow’s life—potentially improving the experience for both the animals and their handlers.
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