The use of nipple water trough for group-housed dairy calves reduces cross-sucking

Housing calves in groups presents challenges in controlling cross-sucking behaviour. Practices such as cow-calf separation and restricted milk feedings limit natural sucking behaviours and increase cross-sucking frequency. Free access to artificial nipple is a well-established practice for reducing the frequency of cross-sucking in calves; however, feasible options that simulate the sucking of group-housed calves raised on pasture remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of offering water via nipple on the behaviour and growth of preweaning dairy calves raised on pasture. Twenty-four Holstein × Jersey calves were enrolled in a study with repeated measures throughout the experimental period. Calves were divided into groups of 3 to either receive water via a nipple water trough (Nipple-WT; n = 12) or in an open water trough (Open-WT; n = 12). All groups (8 groups of 3 calves each) had free access to pasture, starter feed, and shade. Three litters of milk were offered twice daily through nipple buckets for both treatments. Behavioural observations and growth measurements were taken weekly from birth to weaning. Water intake was recorded twice daily for day and nighttime. Cross-sucking was lower (p = 0.003) among Nipple-WT groups than Open-WT groups. Water intake (L) was unaffected (p = 0.164) by the water delivery method. Although there was no difference (p = 0.724) in the number of visits per day between water delivery methods, Nipple-WT groups (1.93 ± 2.10 min) spent longer per visit (p = 0.001) in the water trough compared to Open-WT groups (1.29 ± 1.27 min). Nipple-WT groups drank more water (p < 0.001) during nighttime than daytime. The behaviour was not affected by water delivery method but changed over the weeks from birth to weaning. No difference was found in the milk intake duration (p = 0.919), number of visits to the starter feeder (p = 0.190), duration of eating starter (p = 0.239), weaning weight (p = 0.788), and average daily gain (p = 0.226) between water delivery methods. Our findings indicate that providing water via nipples can satisfy sucking motivation and positively affect calf behaviour, reducing cross-sucking events, while having no effect on growth in group-housed calves raised on pasture.