Certified Animal Behavior Consulting
By Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Last reviewed: December 2025
Certified applied animal behaviorists provide expertise on cattle behavior, stress reduction, handling improvement, and welfare optimization in dairy...
Overview
Applied animal behaviorists bring scientific understanding of cattle behavior to dairy operations, helping identify and address behavioral welfare issues while improving handling and management.
Consultant Qualifications
Certification
Areas of Expertise
Common Consultation Topics
Handling Challenges
Facility Assessment
Welfare Concerns
Assessment Process
On-Farm Observation
Environmental Evaluation
Recommendations
Benefits
Improved Welfare
Addressing behavioral needs enhances animal wellbeing.
Better Handling
Understanding behavior makes handling safer and more efficient.
Staff Development
Training improves stockperson skills.
Production Outcomes
Reduced stress often improves performance.
Finding a Consultant
Key Features
- Behavioral Assessment: Expert evaluation of problematic animal behaviors
- Behavior Modification Programs: Science-based approaches to changing unwanted behaviors
- Handling System Evaluation: Assessment of facilities and protocols affecting behavior
- Staff Training: Education in low-stress animal handling techniques
- Welfare Improvement: Identifying behavioral indicators of welfare problems
- CAAB Certification: Ensures rigorous training in applied animal behavior science
Ideal For
Farm Types: Commercial dairies with handling challenges, Operations designing new facilities, Farms with aggressive animals, Welfare-focused operations
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Animal Behavior Consulting:
PhD-level animal behavior specialists provide consulting on cow comfort and behavior.
Pricing Model: Hourly and project-based consulting
Limited practitioners available. Contact universities or search Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist directory.
Pros & Considerations
- Science-based approach to behavioral problems
- Addresses root causes rather than symptoms
- Improves safety for animals and handlers
- Can design preventive programs
- Expertise not available from general veterinarians
- Very limited number of CAABs available
- May require remote consultation
- Behavior change takes time and commitment
- Requires implementation of recommendations to be effective
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Animal Behavior Consulting:
- What specific behavioral problem needs addressing?
- Has anyone been injured as a result of the behavior?
- How long has the problem existed?
- What approaches have already been tried?
- Is the problem with individual animals or widespread?
- Are facility or handling changes feasible?
- Can you commit to implementing behavioral modification programs?
- Is a CAAB available in your region or for remote consultation?