Weather and seasonal effects in behavioural patterns for grazing cattle

Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Gustavo Paixão, Fernando Mata, J. O. L. Cerqueira, José Pedro Araújo
DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106935
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

Weather conditions influence grazing cattle behaviour, affecting activities like grazing, ruminating, and resting. Understanding these behavioural responses to temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation is essential for managing livestock welfare and productivity amid changing climate patterns. The study monitored 20 Minhota breed cattle year-round, from January 1 to December 31, 2024 using GPS-accelerometer collars in Northern Portugal. Behaviour and weather data were analysed via canonical correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess seasonal impacts on activity patterns and environmental influences. Significant differences (p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Effects of Environmental Stressors on Livestock Reproductive Physiology in Livestock Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
298
Pages
106935–106935
Publication date
6 February 2026
Language
EN