![]() ![]() Above this level, however, the animals are severely affected to a various extent depending on the factors mentioned above. Cattle may tolerate moderate levels of noise and may easily adapt to an intensity level of 60-90 dB. This latter method is not generally used for farm applications, particularly when noise is generated by external sources of unknown technical properties. It can also be measured using various mathematical equations using capacity (in kilowatts, kW), power efficiency, and other electromechanical properties of the device or equipment. The noise intensity associated with any of the above-mentioned sources is best measured in decibels (dB) using a sonometer. Read also: Cow bells and their effect on cow behaviour Measurement and acceptable levels of noise Wearing a bell may further lead to a change in vagosympathetic balance, which is used as an animal welfare indicator allowing comparison of different management procedures. Also, the reduction in rumination time might result in a reduction of saliva production and eventually challenge health through an increased risk of rumen acidosis. ![]() The reduction of feeding times inevitably leads to reduced utilisation of pasture plants and lower growth rates of young animals. As a result, the feeding and ruminating durations are decreased because both behaviours include head movements. In this case, animals tend to decrease head movements to avoid generation of the sound. In some parts of the world, grazing cows are often equipped with a bell for several months, to ensure that farmers can locate their animals on the wide pastures. Animals are often exposed to acute noise levels before slaughter in lairages where noise is caused by ventilation fans and operational equipment. The exposure of farm animals to noise has been identified as a potential stressor not only in housing but also during the transport and at the abattoir. ![]() In some parts of the world, grazing cows are often equipped with a bell for several months. ![]()
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