Using behavioral indicators and injury scores to assess the effect of stall flooring on cow comfort

Abstract

We examined dairy cattle in stalls with different flooring materials to develop behavioral indicators to assess effects of stall design on cow comfort. Cows (n=8) housed in large pens with geotextile mattresses spent 4 h/d longer lying down than when housed in tie stalls with concrete floors. This was associated with increased time spent standing not eating, with no change in eating duration. Cows (n=12) housed for 16 weeks in tie stalls with soft rubber mats lay down for 1.5 h/d longer than those on concrete and spent less time standing not eating. The increased resting time resulted from an increase in the frequency of lying down rather than an increase in duration of individual bouts of lying, which were shorter for cows on soft mats. Cows on soft rubber mats had fewer injuries to the legs and less swelling of the front knees. The incidence of knee swelling increased with time on concrete and was negatively correlated with duration of lying time. Cows (44) in freestalls in uninsulated buildings showed a strong preference for stalls with deep straw bedding or soft rubber mats over sand stalls, in winter and summer. Use of sand stalls reduced lying time in stalls. Lying time was similar for soft rubber mats and deep straw bedding. Softer floors improve cow comfort by making it easier to stand up and lie down by reducing knee injuries. Both flooring type and space allowance affect resting time. Softer rubber mats allow a reduction in the use of organic bedding material without compromising rest time. Cows can show an aversion to sand which is not due to its thermal properties. Together behavioral observations and injury scores provide an effective way of identifying design problems leading to environmental stress that compromises animal welfare.