Social Behaviour And Social Relationships Between Female And Male Prepubertal Bovine Calves (Bos Indicus)

Abstract

The manifestations of social behaviour between nine female and nine male calves were investigated. Mounting and pushing were analysed as play activities in which male calves are significantly more active and attractive i.e. more often the object of a social gesture than female calves. Individual bonds led to the formation of friendships which were maintained for more than half a year.