The aim of this study was to investigate behavioural changes before and after calving in dairy
cows in order to describe behavioural signs of imminent calving and of cows’ recovery after
calving. Thirty-two multiparous Danish Holstein Frisian cows with an unassisted calving
were studied from 96 h before until 96 h after calving while housed in individual calving
pens. Data on behaviour were obtained via video recordings and accelerometers attached
to the cows’ legs. Cows spent less time lying, had more lying bouts and were more active
the day before calving as compared to 2–4 days before calving. The number of lying bouts
and the level of activity increased throughout the 6 h prior to calving. During the last 2 h
prior to calving the duration of contractions and the number of times the cow turned her
head towards the abdomen were increased, while the duration of feeding and drinking
was decreased. Within minutes after calving cows stood up and licked their calves; second
parity cows had a longer latency to stand than later parity cows. Sniffing and licking the calf
peaked during the first hour after calving and decreased during the five successive hours,
while calves’ sniffing the cow peaked during the second hour after birth.