Social play and affiliation as possible coping strategies in a group of Maremmana beef cattle

Abstract

Animal internal states can be expressed via social behaviors that are known to shape group dynamics (i.e., allogrooming, social play, agonistic encounters) and that can be flexibly used after experiencing negative stimuli. In extensively bred domestic species, animals are not always used to human handling, and thus also mandatory health checks can alter group dynamics. Here, we investigated possible fluctuations in social behaviors according to the presence and distance from the health check in a group of young Maremmana heifers and steers in semi-extensive conditions. We found that aggression did not change in relation to the health check. On the contrary, the time individuals spent playing and affiliating with each other drastically reduced in the day after the routinary check (Post 1, 0–24 h) if compared to days far from the event (Control): after that, it reached the highest level in the following day (Post 2, 24–48 h). This rebound effect might allow animals to compensate for the previous lack of social interactions and to restore social homeostasis. The findings suggest that social interactions in Maremmana cattle are informative about their internal states. Additionally, social play and allogrooming appear to function as coping strategies for these cattle.

Graphical abstract

The routinary check for health status and performance can provoke distress in cattle. Social play and affiliation drastically reduced the day after the check (Post 1, 0–24 h). In the Post 2 (24–48 h), these social activities had a rebound effect. Aggression did not change in relation to the presence of the health check. On the whole, these findings suggest that social play and allogrooming could be effective coping strategies after handling procedures.