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Effects of Social Dominance on the Behaviour, Production, and Physiological Performance of Lactating Dairy Cow

Du Xiaoxue ¹, Aimi N.H.^2,1*, Zulkifli I.^1,2, Nur Syazwan N.¹, Siti Norizati M.Z.¹

¹Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
²Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2025 28(1): 74-83

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This study investigated the effects of social dominance on behaviour, milk production, and physiological performance in lactating dairy cows under an intensive farming system in a tropical climate condition. A total of 52 Friesian × Jersey cows were observed for 14 continuous days to determine dominance hierarchy through social interactions. Dominance values (DV) were calculated using a win-loss ratio formula, and cows were categorised into dominant (D), mid-ranking (M), and subordinate (S) social groups. Behavioural observations, milk yield, composition (fat, protein, lactose), and stress biomarkers (Cortisol, Serum Amyloid-A, Haptoglobin, Immunoglobulin G) were analysed. Results showed that dominance was positively correlated with age (r = 0.453, P = 0.006) and ruminating duration (r = 0.451, P = 0.006), with D cows being older and ruminating 24 minutes longer than lower ranking cows (P = 0.0371). Lower ranking cows were found to have higher cortisol level compared to dominant cows (P = 0.0008) which may suggest that lower-ranking cows suffer from social stress more than their higher-ranking counterparts. However, no significant effects of dominance were found in this study on cows’ milk yield, milk composition, or other stress biomarkers. These findings suggest that while social dominance influences resting behaviour, it does not directly affect milk production or physiological performance in lactating dairy cows managed in an intensive system under tropical climate condition. In conclusion, farmers should consider the cows’ social dominance aspect to be included in their animal grouping management, to reduce social stress that could lead to poor welfare, especially in the lower-ranking cows.