Description of measurable parameters related to animal welfare in freestall and tiestall farms in Northwestern Spain

Abstract

The aim of this characterization study was to describe several welfare indicators on the farm and find possible difference between the prevalence of hock injuries, body condition (BCS), and hygiene score across 15 free stalls with cubicles (F) and 15 tie stalls (T) dairy cattle farms in northwestern Spain (Galicia). Data were collected once and it included direct measures of the welfare based on the animal (BCS, hock injuries, locomotion score, hygiene score) and, indirect measures based on facilities (stall design, surfaces, feed bunk, ventilation and milking) and management practices (cleanliness, preventive treatment programs, outdoor access). In the following results, higher values are indicative of a poorer status. Herd-level prevalence of overweight cows to the stage of lactation was greater (p<0.05) in F than T (28.9 vs 10.5%) and underweight cows were lower (p<0.05) in F than T (21.8 vs 41.1%). Hock injuries were common in both housing systems, averaging 41.7% in F and 38.5% in T. Prevalence of lameness (score 3, 4, 5) averaged 10.6% in F (not scored in T). Udder hygiene score averaged 2.1 in F and 2.2 in T, upper leg/flank was 2.3 in F and 2.4 in T and lower leg score was higher (p<0.01) in F than T (3.0 vs 2.4 points on average). Low prevalence of these indicators in some farms should be taken into reference by the other farms to achieve better results. Moreover, considerable variation in facilities management and measurements was described in both housing systems, highlighting the small areas of T, too narrow alleys in F and, inadequate barn design for natural ventilation in both systems and at holding area in F farms.