Comparison of behavioral to physiological response of cows exposed to electric shock

A series of experiments was performed to measure behavioral responses and changes in blood cortisol concentration of cows exposed to 60 Hz electrical current applied from from to rear hooves. Increased activity level was not a consistent indicator of response to current, whereas a flinch or startle response was a consistent and repeatable behavioral indicator. Cows responded at lower current levels to the one-front to two-rear hooves pathway than to the muzzle to four-hooves pathway. Cortisol levels did not increase in response to short-term current exposure at levels up to 1.5 times the flinch reaction level. However, cortisol concentrations were found to increase in response to hoof trimming. These results indicate that behavioral changes are a more sensitive indicator of response to short-term electrical current exposure than blood cortisol levels.