Genetic relatedness impact on social behavior in dairy cows within Automated Milking Systems

Comprehending social dynamics among dairy cows is essential for optimizing herd welfare and productivity. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of genetic relatedness within a cow herd on their social connections using Social Network Analysis (SNA). We identified consistent social bonds among cows by gauging the time interval between consecutive milking events, i.e., the duration from one cow entering the milking robot to the subsequent cow’s entry. If the timeframe between two cows entries at the milking machine is less than 10 minutes, we consider it an association between them, as it is highly likely that they were queuing at the same time. We assessed the genetic relatedness among cows by examining pedigree data spanning three generations of both cows and bulls. Where accessible, the pedigree-based relatedness will be compared with the genomic kinship matrix, to verify if a detailed analysis of the cows’ DNA profiles, providing more detailed information about the degree of relatedness among individuals within the herd, will further help understanding social dynamics influenced by genetics. We examined the influence of genetic relatedness on cows’ social preferences throughout different lactation periods. Additionally, we investigated the connection between these social bonds and milk yield, fat, and protein content. Finally, we compared individual cows’ ego-networks to understand genetic relatedness effects and assess the stability of their social connections over time. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding social behavior in dairy cows, offering crucial insights for enhancing herd management practices in the dairy farming industry.