Abstract
Simple SummaryNeck rails are used in many free-stall barns; they are intended to keep cows standing at the rear of the stall such that faeces and urine are more likely to fall in the alley rather than on the stall surface. However, cows can come into contact with the neck rail when entering the stall or when standing up. This study tested the effect of covering neck rails with a protective foam surface, by allocating stalls to control and foam conditions using a crossover design. There was no effect of the foam treatment on the time that stalls were occupied for lying. Considering the time of individual stall occupation and the distribution of the stalls in the pen, it was found that cows preferred one of the two lying stall rows. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the time of stall occupation for two different rows in the pen, including the time for lying as well as the time of standing with two and four hooves in the stall. Results from this study can be used to support the design process for free-stall barns. This study tested the effect of neck rails equipped with and without foam on stall usage and preference by dairy cows. The hypothesis of the experiment, that cows prefer lying stalls with foam in comparison to stalls without foam, was rejected. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in lying time and time spent standing with two and four hooves in the lying stalls between the two treatment groups. Considering the time of individual stall occupation and the distribution of stalls in the pen, cows showed a preference for one of two lying stall rows. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the time of stall occupation for the two different rows in the pen, including the time spent lying and the time spent standing with two and four hooves in the stall. Lying time per stall in the preferred row (near the feeding alley) in comparison with the alternative row was 580 ± 101 min·d−1·stall−1 versus 50 ± 28 min·d−1·stall−1, respectively. These results can support a design process for new barns with a free-stall housing system for dairy cattle.
Highlights
A free-stall housing system is one solution implemented to improve cow comfort
This study investigated different positions of the neck-rail bottom above the bedded surface and its effect on cow behaviour and preferences
Stalls with the foam were occupied by a lying cow for 13.2 min·d−1 ·stall−1 longer time than stalls in the control condition
Summary
A free-stall housing system is one solution implemented to improve cow comfort. To better recognize and assess cow comfort conditions in free-stall barns, many investigations have been conducted, including studies assessing technical and technological aspects of free-stall design and different barn management practices. In the field of technical infrastructure, focused on housing design, Tucker et al [1] presented the effects of free-stall dimensions on the preference and stall usage in dairy cows, illustrating that providing cows with wider free stalls increased lying times, likely because cows had less contact with the partitions in larger stalls. Tucker et al [2] found that brisket boards can reduce free-stall use, suggesting that cows preferred to have their body fully supported by the bedded area.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
