Resting Habits Of Zebu Cattle In A Nocturnal Enclosure

Abstract

Over a period of one year, resting habits in a nocturnal enclosure were studied in a cattle herd consisting of cows with their calves and one bull. Individual preferences for particular resting areas were found in all members of the herd; in some cases such habits could be traced throughout 12 months. Local preferences, climatic changes, disturbances and/or personal associations with certain group members determine an animal's resting habits. The degree of consistency with which an animal lies on its resting place is independent of its dominance status. It was concluded that an animal's individual resting habit raises no competitive situation with other herd members.