Auditory sensitivity in beef cattle of different genetic origin

• Published in: Journal of veterinary behavior Vol. 59; pp. 67 - 72
• Main Authors: Moreira, Sheilla Madruga, Silveira, Isabella Dias Barbosa, Augusto Xavier da Cruz, Luís, Minello, Luiz Fernando, Pinheiro, Clodoaldo Leites, Schwengber, Eduardo Brum, Restle, João, Vaz, Ricardo Zambarda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.01.2023
• Subjects: animal behaviour; animal welfare; Bos indicus; Bos taurus; hearing; hearing; Bos indicus; Bos taurus; animal welfare; animal behaviour
• ISSN: 1558-7878
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.10.004

Understanding the hearing of cattle plays an important role in all systems of animal production. The aim of this study was to assess the behaviour of 30 adult female cattle of Bos taurus taurus and Bos taurus indicus origin, exposed to three different audio frequencies, and to correlate the effect of hearing on animal welfare. An ethogram was compiled to assess the behaviour of animals exposed to audio frequencies of 65Hz, 8kHz and 20kHz, at a volume of 60 dB, simultaneously within each sub-species. In addition, the area of the auricle and the interaural distance were determined. Immediately after exposure to different frequencies, the positioning of the animal in the paddock, positioning of the ears, activity performed, vocalization and interaction with the group of animals was evaluated. From of animal posture, activity, position in group and position of the ears, Bos indicus animals proved to be more reactive to low and high frequencies. The Bos taurus animals had a smaller auricle and greater interaural distance than the Bos indicus. The greater reactivity of the Bos indicus in relation to sound is due to their better hearing ability, which reflects in their behavioural responses.