Brainstem auditory evoked responses: Objective hearing threshold assessment in Holstein cows.

Background:  Animal audiology utilizes brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) as a non-invasive tool to assess hearing in animals, including Holstein dairy cows. Understanding cows' auditory capabilities is critical for their welfare, especially given their exposure to farm noise.

Objectives:  This study provides preliminary normative BAER data for Holstein cows by focusing on absolute and interpeak wave latencies.

Moving towards sustainable breeding objectives and cow welfare in dairy production: a South African perspective.

Genetic advancements have resulted in improved dairy production over many decades, due to the focus of breeding objectives on production as the driving force for genetic progress and overall farm profitability. Major advancements were made in the easy-to-measure traits with moderate to high heritability, which resulted in unintended consequences on herd fertility, health, and welfare of cows. In addition, climate change and animal welfare concerns demanded balanced breeding objectives and selection approaches for sustainable production-including health and longevity.