The feeding behaviour, rumination and water consumption of primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows, housed in a free-stall system were studied, in response to different combinations of temperature and relative air humidity. Data were collected during three days (24 hours) in the summer and winter months. Feeding behaviour and rumination were monitored in each 15 minute intervals, and the water ingestion, continuously all day long. Environmental temperature and relative humidity were also monitored in each hour interval. During summer time, the environmental temperature and relative humidity significantly affected (P<0.05) feeding behaviour of the cows with an increasing time of feeding intervals, from 6am - 6pm to 6pm - 12pm. Daily pattern of rumination was defined by the daily pattern of feeding. The water ingestion varied significantly (P<0.05) as a function of the feeding behavior due to environmental temperature and air humidity, mainly in the cow group.
Dairy cattle; environment; rumination; water intake; feed intake
