Abstract
Animal welfare is a relatively new topic and there is a dearth of the report regarding the welfare assessment of dairy cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of floor surface of the dairy sheds on mastitis, skin lesions, cleanliness of body and lameness of lactating cow in smallholders’ production system. To conduct this study, 5 soil type floor, 5 brick paved and 5 concrete floors of small holder dairy units were selected in Sirajgonj district. From each shed, 5 numbers of dairy cows were selected preferably in the first lactation stage. A total 75 milk samples from three different types of the shed were tested for subclinical mastitis using a California mastitis test. The results showed that 40%, 28%, and 32% cows were CMT positive for subclinical mastitis in soil, brick made and concrete type floor, respectively. The prevalence of SCM was not significantly differences among the different types of floor (P>0.05). Cleanliness and hygienic status of the muddy soil type floor were found to be significantly poor in comparison to that of brick made and concrete type floor of dairy farms. The prevalence of skin lesions in different body parts was higher in brick made (62%) and concrete floor sheds (88%) compared to soil bedded (31%) floor. Hair loses in the concrete and brick made floor was significantly higher (P≤0.01) in comparison with the muddy soil floor. The overall prevalence of lameness of the brick made (72%) and concrete type floor was higher (65%) than that of soil bedded shed (48%). There was a significant difference of lameness between soil type and brick made floor of the shed (P>0.05). The study recommends that in order to reduce the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis, skin lesions and lameness in smallholder farmers require to improve floor conditions through regular cleaning of the floor or upgrade to the concrete floor using rubber mat.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(1): 87-95, April 2020
Highlights
Animal welfare is a multidimensional concept combining several scientific disciplines
This study revealed that the floor surface of the dairy shed is a potential risk factor that can affect the welfare of lactating cows in terms of causing mastitis, skin lesions and lameness
It has been observed that the concrete and brick made floor type shed was better in management in comparison to soil type floor of shed indicating the animal welfare
Summary
Animal welfare is a multidimensional concept combining several scientific disciplines. There are many different management practices that can impact dairy cow welfare including cleanliness and hygiene (Napolitano et al, 2005), health indicators such as mastitis, skin lesion, lameness (Capdeville and Veissier, 2001; Lavan and Livesey, 2011; Webster, 2001). Concrete or brick paved floor are used for standing, walking and loafing area of dairy housing. Concrete type floor is not the ideal walking and standing surface for cow (Phillips and Morris, 2000). It is because of its abrasive and hard nature. Hard floor surface adversely affects hoof health and comfort, predisposes animal to pain and lameness and affect productivity. Dairy cow cleanliness is possibly an indicator of cow welfare (Bowell et al, 2003)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
