Cattle

In recent years, cattle have gained importance in many areas of research such as molecular biology, genetic engineering, biotechnology and clinical research, and their increased use is reflected in a wide range of available literature. Cattle transportation is covered by laws and regulations that vary between different countries, for example in Europe, the Welfare of Animals during Transport Council Regulation. The housing requirements of research cattle depends on their age, sex and reproductive status. As an alternative to grazing, cattle may benefit from increased food variety to stimulate searching and handling behaviour. Calves with environmental enrichment spent almost 50% more time engaged in locomotor play. Housing cattle in small groups has been shown to be beneficial to the health and welfare of cattle. A social environment has a positive effect on individual adjustments to the environment through social facilitation or learning.