scholarly journals Welfare assessment on dairy cattle farms in eastern Croatia

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Nicole Eberhart ◽  
Peter Krawczel ◽  
Pero Mijic ◽  
Vesna Gantner ◽  
Maja Gregic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Bout Duration ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Acceleration Data ◽  
Cow Health ◽  
Cattle Farms ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare status of high-producing Holstein dairy cows on commercial Croatian farms. Lying behavior data was collected from 278 dairy cows across four farms with varying milking parlors and housing systems in eastern Croatia for at least 3 days. Data loggers recording at 1-min intervals recorded behaviors: lying time (min/d), lying bout duration (min/bout), lying bouts (n/d) and laterality of lying. Acceleration data was summarized into lying behaviors for each individual cow. Health scores (udder cleanliness, locomotion, and hock injuries) were also assessed. The univariate procedure was used to generate mean lying behaviors and health scores by farm with a 95% CI. Mean lying time per farm ranged from 11.7 ? 2.7 to 10.4 ? 2.7 h/d. Prevalence of lame cows ranged from 28% to 50%. Heavily soiled udders ranged from 2% to 12%. Prevalence of left hocks with minor to major swelling ranged from 50% to 100%; prevalence of right hocks with minor to major swelling ranged from 45% to 100%. In conclusion, all farms assessed have opportunities to improve overall welfare through increasing udder cleanliness and reducing hock injuries.

scholarly journals Rearing conditions, health and welfare of dairy cows

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 25-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavca Hristov ◽  
B. Stankovic ◽  
Z. Zlatanovic ◽  
M. Joksimovic-Todorovic ◽  
V. Davidovic
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Absolute Minimum ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Normal Behavior ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Rearing Conditions ◽  
Recent Developments

This paper provides an overview of recent developments in rearing conditions, health and welfare issues of dairy cows. The last approximately 30 years has witnessed worldwide increasing scientific research, consumer activity, and political response towards housing condition, health and welfare issues of dairy cattle. All buildings and housing systems for dairy cattle should be designed, constructed, maintained and managed to assist in the achievement of the Five Freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress. Whether dairy cows are housed in cubicles, straw yards or cow sheds, in order to maximize their performance and to ensure satisfactory standards of welfare, the accommodation must provide the most basic behavioral and physiological needs. As an absolute minimum, the housing must provide a comfortable, clean, well drained and dry lying area together with shelter from adverse weather. Also, it must allow the cow to move freely around without risk of injury and certain diseases. If the housing system does not provide for these basic needs, then not only will health, welfare and production of dairy cattle be compromised, but it is likely that failure to comply with the welfare codes and the law relating to animal welfare will occur.

Effect of first 60-day cumulative milk yield on days open in Holstein dairy cows in Iran

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 148-148
Author(s):  
A. Heravi Moussavi ◽  
M. Danesh Mesgaran ◽  
T. Vafa
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Principal Factors ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Reproduction and milk production are the principal factors that are influencing dairy farm profitability. The dairy industry in Iran has changed dramatically in the last decade. The shift toward more productive cows and larger herds in Iran is associated with a decrease reproductive efficiency (Heravi Moussavi et al., 2004). Increased knowledge about the principal causes of reduced fertility is essential. The root cause of the declining fertility is probably a combination of a variety of physiological and management factors that have an additive effect on reproductive efficiency. Dairy cattle are inseminated and pregnancy is established while dairy cows are lactating. Based on the analyses of large datasets, there is clearly an antagonistic relationship between milk production and reproduction in dairy cattle (Lucy, 2001). It was shown that the hazard ratio for cumulative first 60-day milk yield and conception in high producer cows was 8 percent less than the others and also high milk yield was a risk factor for several reproductive disorders (Grohn and Rajala-Schultz, 2000). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of first 60-day cumulative milk yield on days open in Iranian Holstein dairy cows.

Methods for assessing sociability of dairy cows

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
J. Gibbons ◽  
A. B. Lawrence ◽  
M. Haskell
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Social Motivation ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Suitable Test ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Social Companionship ◽  
Reliable Methods

Sociability refers to the extent to which animals seek social companionship. Individual differences in social behaviour exist between animals. It is important to measure individual social motivation in order to develop suitable temperament scores that can be used in future breeding programmes or as part of welfare assessment schemes. Runway tests have been shown as reliable methods of measuring sociability in animals (Birds Mills & Faure, 1991; Sheep Sibbald et al., 2005). The aim was to develop a suitable test that could be used to measure sociability of cows in a commercial situation. The following questions were addressed i) How repeatable is the runway test when carried out on dairy cattle, ii) Does a cow’s performance in a runway test correlate with social behaviour within a group house setting?

scholarly journals Effect of the claw disorders on production performance in dairy cattle

2016 ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Michal Vlček ◽  
Radovan Kasarda
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Digital Dermatitis ◽  
Interdigital Dermatitis ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

The aim of the study was the influence of claw disorders on production traits in dairy cattle. Observed were claw traits as claw angle, claw length, heel index, claw height, claw diagonal and claw width. Right hind claw after functional trimming was evaluated. Occurrence of claw disorders like interdigital dermatitis and heel erosion (IDHE), digital dermatitis (DD) and sole ulcer (SV) as well as the progress of disease were observed. Basic summary and variation statistics was performed by the SAS software. Two herds were included in the study. Holstein dairy cows (n=101) produced 11 875 kg of milk, 468 kg (3.94%) of fat and 396 kg (3.34%) of proteins. Holstein cows were affected with IDHE in 22 cases, with DD in 6 cases and with sole ulcer in 10 cases. Slovak Simmental dairy cows (n=101) produced 5834 kg of milk, 258 kg (4.44%) of fat and 209 kg (3.59%) of proteins. Slovak Simmental cows were affected with IDHE in 8 cases, with DD in 5 cases and with sole ulcer in 19 cases. Observed was that claw disorders caused deviations of milk production.

scholarly journals Prevalent Parasitosis in Beef and Dairy Cattle Farms in Vidzeme Region

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (329) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Dace Keidāne ◽  
Anna Krūklīte ◽  
Alīna Derbakova
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Main Species ◽  
Cattle Farms

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the beef and dairy cow parasitosis epizootic situation in Vidzeme region. Research was done throughout Vidzeme territory during the period of the years 2013-2014. The total number of animals examined was: 273 dairy and 90 young beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and 248 dairy and 29 beef cows older than two years. For the diagnosis of helminthes standardized ovoscopic and larvoscopic methods were used. For the diagnosis of protozoa flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods were used. The main species in the samples were Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp. and Strongylus spp. In the young dairy and beef cattle aged from 6 months to two years and cattle older than two years Cryptosporidium spp. invasion accordingly was 32.6% and 19% (dairy cattle) and 62.2% and 65.5% (beef cattle); the invasion of Eimeria spp. 30% and 7.3% (dairy cattle) and 55.6% and 10.3% (beef cattle); and the invasion of Strongylus spp. was 17.6% and 13.7% (dairy cattle) and 43.3% and 27.6% (beef cattle). Both dairy and beef cattle were infected with Moniezia spp., Paramphistomum spp., Strongyloides spp. Dairy cows aged from 6 months to two years had Trichuris spp., Dictyocaulus spp. and Neoscaris spp. invasion.

scholarly journals Frequency analysis of noise exposure of dairy cows in the process of milking

2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pšenka ◽  
M. Šístková ◽  
Š. Mihina ◽  
R. Gálik
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Frequency Analysis ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Mechanical Equipment ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Cattle Farms ◽  
Farm Buildings

In the environment of farms and farm buildings, cattle are exposed to various unnatural influences. Such an impact is also noise always arising with a certain energy conversion. In cattle farms, the sources of noise are represented by various mechanical equipment and machines that are used for enabling farm operations. The aim of the paper was to analyse the noise levels in dairy cattle production in the environment, during their day routine. Noise levels were measured at two farms with a different technological layout of milking parlour, with a different way of milking. The noise exposure of dairy cows was measured in three locations, namely in the milking parlour, during standing in the area before milking (in the so-called collection room) and directly in the stabling area. Noise exposure was measured during milking and when the milking parlour was turned off. The values were compared with the hearing sensitivity of cattle at selected frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 kHz).

scholarly journals Cows are highly motivated to access a grooming substrate

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 20180303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie McConnachie ◽  
Anne Marieke C. Smid ◽  
Alexander J. Thompson ◽  
Daniel M. Weary ◽  
Marek A. Gaworski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Analysis ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Empty Space ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Important Resource ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Kaplan Meier

In natural environments, cattle use trees and other abrasive surfaces to scratch and groom themselves. Modern indoor dairy cattle housing systems often lack appropriate grooming substrates, restricting the animals' ability to groom. We assessed the motivation of dairy cows to access an automated mechanical brush, a grooming resource that can be implemented in indoor cattle housing systems. Cows were trained to push a weighted gate to access either fresh feed (positive control), a mechanical brush or the same space without a brush (negative control). Weight on the gate was gradually increased until all cows failed to open it. The weight each cow was willing to push to access each resource was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Despite differences in methodology used to obtain data on motivation to access feed and the brush, the outcomes were very similar; cows worked as hard for access to fresh feed and the brush ( p = 0.94) and less hard for access to the empty space (compared with fresh feed: p < 0.01; brush: p < 0.02). These results indicate that cows are highly motivated to access a mechanical brush and that it is an important resource for cows.

scholarly journals Changes of the Rumination Characteristics in Dairy Cows After Change TMR Composition

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1153-1157
Author(s):  
Peter Juhás ◽  
Katarína Špulerová ◽  
Klára Vavrišínová ◽  
Katarína Hozáková ◽  
Peter Strapák
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Jaw Movements ◽  
Total Mixed Ration ◽  
Jaw Movement ◽  
Reproduction Management ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Rumination behavior in cattle is important for health and reproduction management of herd. The aim of presented paper was to evaluate change in rumination behavior in dairy cattle after changing total mixed ration (TMR) composition. Twenty-eight multiparous Red Holstein dairy cows were observed during rumination in first month after calving and in fourth month after calving. Cows were fed different total mixed ratio at beginning of lactation in first month after calving (TMR1) and in mid of lactation period in fourth month after calving (TMR2). TMR2 has higher content of roughage. Length of the single rumination period and number of jaw movements during rumination one bolus were recorded. Frequency of jaw movement per minute was calculated from recorded rumination characteristics. Rumination of one bolus TMR2 was longer (TMR1 = 53.97 ±8.241 sec, TMR2 = 57.57 ±6.290 sec) and cow perform more jaw movements (TMR1 = 61.0 ±10.674, TMR2 = 65.99 ±9.682) than ruminating bolus TMR1. Difference in duration of rumination one bolus as well as number of jaw movement was significant (P < 0.001). Frequency of jaw movement was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) and seem to be intra-individual stable. Rumination evaluated by correlation of rumination characteristics for TMR1 and TMR2 was intra-individual stable despite of changes in times of jaw movement and duration of one bolus rumination.

scholarly journals Fermented Soybean Meal Replacement in the Diet of Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows: Modulated Rumen Fermentation and Ruminal Microflora

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuo Wang ◽  
Yuannian Yu ◽  
Xinyao Li ◽  
Hongyan Xiao ◽  
Peihua Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Fermented Soybean Meal ◽  
Fermented Soybean ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

This study was conducted to examine the influences of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in the diet of lactating Holstein cattle on rumen fermentation and ruminal bacterial microbiome. Twenty-four lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cattle were assigned to each of the two treatments in a completely randomized design: the SBM group [the basal total mixed ration (TMR) diet containing 5.77% SBM] and the FSBM group (the experimental TMR diet containing 5.55% FSBM). This trial lasted for 54 days (14 days for adjustment and 40 days for data and sample collection), and samples of rumen liquid were collected on 34 d and 54 d, respectively. The results showed that replacing SBM with FSBM significantly increased the molar percentages of propionate (P &lt; 0.01) and valerate (P &lt; 0.05), but reduced the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration (P &lt; 0.05), butyrate molar proportion (P &lt; 0.05), and the acetate to propionate ratio (P &lt; 0.01). The copy numbers of total bacteria (P &lt; 0.05), Fibrobacter succinogenes (P &lt; 0.01), Selenomonas ruminantium (P &lt; 0.01), and Prevotella spp. (P &lt; 0.05) in the FSBM group were greater, while the density of Prevotella ruminicola (P &lt; 0.05) was lower than those in the SBM treatment. Additionally, Succiniclasticum ruminis and Saccharofermentans acetigenes were significantly enriched (P &lt; 0.05) in the rumen fluid of FSBM-fed cows, despite the fact that there was no remarkable difference in the Alpha diversity indexes, structure and KEGG pathway abundances of the bacterial community across the two treatments. It could hence be concluded that the substitution of FSBM for SBM modulated rumen fermentation and rumen bacterial microbiota in lactating Holstein dairy cows. Further research is required to elucidate the relevant mechanisms of FSBM, and provide more insights into the application of FSBM in dairy cattle.

The Effect of Cubicle Mats on the Behaviour, Health and Productivity of Dairy cows.

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 81-81
Author(s):  
P J H Ball ◽  
E E A McEwan ◽  
J E Offer
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Alternating Groups ◽  
Leg Injuries ◽  
Cow Health ◽  
Cow Comfort

The use of cubicle mats for dairy cows has been promoted on the basis that they encourage cubicle occupancy, thus improving hygiene, and reduce the incidence and severity of udder and leg injuries. It has also been suggested that cows are less stressed so that fertility and production performance is improved, thus increasing profitability. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of synthetic cubicle mats (Cow Comfort, Wigan) on dairy cattle behaviour, health and productivity.The first study used 33 cows offered a choice of 24 matted cubicles and 24 unmatted cubicles arranged in alternating groups of four. The cows were observed every half hour for 24 hours and their location (in or out of cubicles) and behaviour (standing or lying and whether ruminating) recorded. The second was a changeover experiment in which two groups of 28 cows were housed for two periods, each of at least two months, on either matted or concrete cubicles. In each period cow location and behaviour was recorded half hourly for a 24 hour duration. The 1·19 X 2·17 metre cubicles had Dutch Comfort divisions and all were bedded with sawdust. Cow health, reproductive performance and lameness were monitored throughout.

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