摘要 : Inter-sucking, i.e. sub-adult or adult cattle sucking the udders of heifers or cows, is a frequently reported problem in dairy herds. The methods that are employed to avoid inter-sucking (pronged nose rings, surgery of the tongue)... 展开 Inter-sucking, i.e. sub-adult or adult cattle sucking the udders of heifers or cows, is a frequently reported problem in dairy herds. The methods that are employed to avoid inter-sucking (pronged nose rings, surgery of the tongue) only address the symptoms and may cause welfare problems. In an epidemiological study 130 farmers were asked about a broad spectrum of environmental factors possibly associated with inter-sucking and risk factors for intersucking in dairy cows and heifers were analysed. In a second step 2 hypotheses were tested about the development of inter-sucking arising from these results. 10 dairy farms were selected that differed in the diet fed after weaning but had comparable pre-weaning housing conditions. On each farm the feeding and sucking behaviour of a group of calves were observed 1 week before weaning and 1, 5 and 9 weeks after weaning. The data allowed the following interpretation: inter-sucking in heifers is related to inter-sucking in calves. Calves with high inter-sucking activity are likely to continue inter-sucking after weaning. Feed management directly after weaning modifies inter-sucking activity. Ad libitum availability of feed and long feeding times as well as an appropriate supply of energy reduce inter-sucking. 收起