Indian J Dairy Sci 74(6): 509-515 509 RESEARCH ARTICLE Effect of parlour relocation on behaviour and post-adaptation milkability of lactating dairy cows A Fahim 1 , ML Kamboj 2 , M Bhakat 2 , TK Mohanty 2 , AS Sirohi 3 and S Prasad 4 1 Department of LPM, SVPUAT, Meerut 2 ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana 3 ICAR-CIRC, Meerut Cantt, 4 ICAR H.Q., New Delhi Ahmad Fahim () Department of LPM, COVAS SVPUAT, Meerut E-mail: ahmadfahim300@gmail.com Received: 02 October 2021 / Accepted: 01 November 2021 / Published online: 22 December 2021 Indian Dairy Association (India) 2021 © Abstract: The aim of study was to investigate the effect of parlour relocation on behaviour of lactating cows and to understand the effect of behaviour on post-adaptation milkability in dairy cows. Seventy-two crossbred cows initially milked in tandem milking parlour were relocated to herringbone parlour and observed for 45 milking sessions. Recording of behaviour was done for the individual animal as they entered the holding area till exit after completion of milking. The results showed that there was marked behavioural changes associated with the relocation of animals. Sharp decline in milk yield was observed on the day of relocation which improved in subsequent milking sessions. The mean cortisol level pre and post milking was significantly (P<0.01) high in novel parlour to which the animals were unfamiliar. The behaviour of animals post-adaptation in holding area and milking area was found to be significantly (P<0.01) associated with the milkablity traits in terms of milk yield and milk flow. The temperament score of cows significantly (P<0.01) affected their milk yield and milk flow characteristics. No definite trend was seen due to effect of elimination behaviour on milkability. The study concluded that although lactating dairy cows have tendency to adapt in a new system, shifting them in the midst of lactation may cause production losses. The cow behaviour post-adaptation in milking parlours having batch milking may serve as potent tool to select and split large herds, based on milk yield and milk flow rates. Keywords: Cow behaviour, Dairy cow, Milk yield, Milkability Introduction Good design and facilities are required in animal units to take advantage of natural behaviour which facilitate easy movement of animals and reduce the number of negative interactions with the stock handlers. In general, a quiet and consistent handling helps in promoting better productivity and good animal welfare by reducing the level of fear and stress in animals (Grandin 2018; Coleman and Hemsworth 2014). On a well organized farm, the dairy cows are habituated to milking routine operations. However, they may be often exposed to number of situations on day to day basis, which may be either disturbing their routine or creating a transient stress in them (Breuer et al. 2000; Neisen et al. 2009; Sutherland and Huddart 2012). As a consequence, dairy cows are likely to show behavioral and physiological responses to these multiple stressors (Van Reenen et al. 2002; Eicher et al. 2007). Milking of cows in an unfamiliar parlour or changing the parlour type and design for better milking, the animals undergo initial stress and has been implicated as one of the major aversions for relocated cows (Grandin 1998). Studies show that relocated cows are subjected to strange surroundings, noise, odours, stock and people which contribute to stress and potential performance losses (Keeling et al. 2002; Grandin 2003; Macuhova et al. 2008; Sutherland et al. 2012). Such situations are characterized by frequent vocalization, defecation, and urination incidences considered as indicators of fear or stress in cattle (de Passillé et al. 1995; Grandin 1998); and increased movement (stepping and kicking) considered as a sign of agitation (Grandin 1993). Soch et al. (1997) recorded production losses with a decrease in milk yield from 19.0 kg to 10.2 kg on the first day of milking after moving from stanchion-stall to free-stall housing. Bruckmaier et https://doi.org/10.33785/IJDS.2021.v74i06.007