This episode “Personality Traits: A New Frontier for Precision Feeding Management” was recorded at the 2025 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Episode 172: Dairy Cow Personality Traits: A New Frontier for Precision Feeding Management
Timestamps:
Dr. Schwanke begins by describing how we can shape cattle personalities through handling and management. She focuses on adapting strategies to accommodate different personality traits. This helps to not cause undue stress. Personality traits are consistent across time and context. However, they are nuanced by the other animals in a particular group. There are five generally recognized personality traits: boldness, exploration, activity, sociability, and aggressiveness. Some debate exists as to whether dominance should be considered a sixth trait or if it’s just an outcome of the other five. (5:43)
Dr. Schwanke’s research focused mainly on how cows react to specific stressors, such as adapting to an automated milking system. In a robotic system, cows who are more independent, explorative, and bold are more likely to do well. Some diversity is good because it can help to minimize long-term antagonistic interactions in a group. If we have cows that are very similar to each other, it will take longer for them to establish a social hierarchy. (10:05)
The panel discusses where the research is in regard to on-farm applicability and potential genetic components of personality traits. In the future, Dr. Schwanke envisions automated assessments of cow personality through computer vision cameras in the barn. This data would then be fed into an algorithm that creates a personality ranking based on their behaviors. She also notes personality traits can help predict a cow’s coping style: proactive, reactive, and intermediate. Proactive cows are more bold, explorative, and aggressive. They thrive in predictable, stable conditions. Reactive cows are more fearful, less active, and less dominant. They typically do better in unpredictable or changing environments because they’re better able to modify their behavior to the environment they find themselves in. (14:09)
The panel talks about future research goals in this area, including transition to automated milking systems. They also discuss modifying feed management for behavioral and nutritional requirements and impacts of commingling stress. The guests explore behavioral research in calves and brainstorm about future research with this age group. Additionally, they talk about potential implications of making the wrong selection decisions for personality traits. (20:08)
Are there things dairy producers could do to condition calves to be more adaptable to an automated milking system later in life? If a calf is reared in an automated feeding system, do they adapt to an automated milking system more easily? We don’t have the research yet to answer these questions, but they’re great questions. The panel also talks about how to scale up personality trait information to large herds. They consider how precision feeding systems and personality traits might interact and how machine learning and computer vision technology can automate personality trait assessments. (28:46)
Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (35:02)
Conclusion
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