Advancing knowledge of individual differences in feeding behaviour of dairy cattle

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The scientific literature has seen a burgeoning interest in exploring individual differences in animal behaviour. Individual animals differ in their expression of behaviour across a range of contexts (`animal personality'), and in response to environmental variation (`behavioural plasticity'). To date, little work exists to explain individual differences in feeding behaviour of mature dairy cattle. In other species, nutrient consumption levels, as mediated through feeding behaviour, within individuals are highly influenced by personality differences and individual plasticity. Development of individualized feeding strategies is, thus, not only hinged on knowing individual nutrient requirements, but also on knowledge of how the individual consumes their feed, and the adaptability of their consumption behaviour. Thus, the long-term goal of the proposed research program is to further the understanding of individual differences in dairy cow feeding behaviour with the aim of using this information to design feeding strategies at the individual level that improve cow health, welfare, and efficiency of production. To address this, my specific short-term objectives are to determine: 1) how consistent personality traits may contribute to individual variability in feeding behaviour in dairy cows, 2) the relationship between personality traits and plasticity of feeding behaviour in response to physiological, environmental, and social variation; and 3) how knowledge of personality and behavioural plasticity can help tailor nutritional management to the behavioural and physiological needs of the individual. A series of experiments will collectively address these goals. Across studies, I predict that cow health, production, and efficiency may be improved by creating individualized nutritional programs that account for differences in animal personality and behavioural plasticity. A variety of methods will be used to assess personality (e.g. sociability, exploration, boldness, fearfulness). Plasticity of feeding behaviour will be assessed by subjecting cows to physiological, environmental, and social stressors. Finally, experiments will test precision feeding strategies that take into account both individual animal nutrient requirements and their unique behavioural traits. This research will provide new biological insights into factors contributing to individual variability of feeding behaviour, and the fundamental basis for precision nutritional strategies that decrease metabolic disease, improve welfare by meeting the individual behavioural needs of the dairy cow, and minimize nutrient waste and environmental impact by targeting nutrient intake and, thus, increasing production efficiency. This research has economic benefits to dairy producers and societal benefits. The welfare of food animals along with sustainable agricultural practices are of continually increasing concern to the public, and affect choices by consumers of the products of animal agriculture.