Association of Flooring Materials with Milk Yield and its Composition in Crossbred cows

Abstract

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of concrete or rubber surface, in combination with open yard with either brick paving or sand bed on milk production and composition in crossbred dairy cows under loose housing system. Total 20 crossbred cows, were assigned to four treatment groups (5 per group) viz. Control group (T0): Concrete floor (in covered feeding area) + Brick paving (in loafing area); Treatment 1 (T1): Concrete floor + Sand bed; Treatment 2 (T2): Rubber mat + Sand bed; Treatment 3 (T3): Rubber mat + Brick paving. Milk yield did not differed significantly (P>0.05) among groups, but it was higher in T2 followed by T3, T0 (control) and T1. Fat %, SNF % and Total Solids % were almost similar (P > 0.05) in all the groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that provision of rubber mat or sand floor alone does not affect milk production and composition. However, floor combination of rubber mat and sand bed in loose houses showed higher production.