Cubicle Housing Research Articles

Effects of environmental and housing system factors on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from cattle barns: A meta-analysis of a global data collation

This study provides a meta-analysis on the relationships between cattle barn CH4, NH3 and N2O emission rates and their key drivers (i.e., housing type, floor type, environmental conditions). Understanding these relationships is essential to reduce uncertainties in emission inventories and suggest targeted mitigation measures. The total number of daily emission rates included in the analysis was 139 for CH4, 293 for NH3 and 100 for N2O emissions. Emission rates in the database showed a large variation with 45–803.5 g/LU d−1 for CH4, 0.036–146.7 gN LU−1 d−1 for NH3, and 0.002–18 gN LU−1 d−1 for N2O emissions. Despite the high emission variability, significant effects were identified·NH3 showed positive correlation with air temperature; NH3 emissions differed between housing types but not between floor types·NH3 emissions from tied stalls were lower than the ones from cubicle housing regardless of the floor type. Additionally, NH3 emissions from loose housings were lower than the ones from cubicle housing·NH3 and N2O emission rates from temperate wet zones were lower than the ones from temperate dry zones. CH4 emission rates were affected by environmental factors only and not by housing and floor type, showing negative correlation with air temperature and humidity. The factors investigated can be suggested as ancillary variables and descriptors when cattle barn emissions are measured, in order to make best use of emission data. Country-specific data of these key drivers can be included into national inventories to adapt them to different agroecosystems and support targeted policies.

Hock Lesions in Dairy Cows in Cubicle Housing Systems in Germany: Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Hock lesions in dairy cows are an important indicator of animal welfare, in particular housing conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hock lesions in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems in three structurally different regions of Germany and to derive recommendations from risk factor analyses. Lactating and dry cows kept in cubicle housing systems were assessed for hock lesions (north: 206 farms with 20,792 cows; south: 156 farms with 8050 cows; east: 192 farms with 37,839 cows). Risk factor analyses were conducted using multi-factorial logistic regression models. The median prevalence of hock lesions (hairless patches, wounds, and/or swelling) at farm level was 79.8% (SD: 25.0; north), 66.2% (SD: 31.0; south), and 78.5% (SD: 26.3; east). The mean prevalence of severe hock lesions (wounds and/or swelling) at farm level was 12.5% (SD: 11.3; north), 8.0% (SD: 13.5; south), and 14.4% (SD: 17.9; east). Cows kept in pens with rubber mats or mattresses (with or without a small amount of litter) had a particularly higher chance of hock lesions compared with cows kept in pens with deep-bedded cubicles (OR: north: 3.1 [2.3-4.2]; south: 8.7 [5.9-13.0], east: 2.0 [1.7-2.4]). The study showed that hock lesions are a widespread problem on German dairy farms with cubicle housing systems. Deep-bedded cubicles are likely to reduce hock lesions and increase cows' comfort.

Effect of diets with different crude protein levels on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from a naturally ventilated dairy housing

Less crude protein (CP) in the diet can reduce nitrogen excretion of dairy cattle and lower their ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) formation potential. The diet composition might also affect emissions of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). However, previous studies did not investigate the effect of diets with different CP levels that are customary practice in Switzerland on NH3 and greenhouse gas emissions on a practical scale. In a case-control approach, we quantified the emissions (NH3, N2O, CH4, CO2) in two separate but identical compartments of a naturally ventilated cubicle housing for lactating dairy cows over six days by using a tracer ratio method. Cows in one compartment received a diet with 116 g CP per kilogram dry matter (DM), in the other compartment with 166 g CP kg−1 DM. Subsequently, diets were switched for a second 6-day measurement phase. The results showed that the diet, aside from outside temperature and wind speed in the housing, was driving NH3 and N2O emissions. NH3 and N2O emission reduction per livestock unit (LU) was on average 46 % and almost 20 %, respectively, for the diet with low CP level compared to the higher CP level. In addition, strong relationships were observed between the CP content of the diet, N excretion in the urine and the milk urea content. An increased temperature or wind speed led to a clear increase in NH3 emissions. Differences in CH4 and CO2 emissions per LU indicated a significant influence of the diet, which cannot be attributed to the CP content. Our herd-level study demonstrated that a significant reduction in NH3 and N2O emissions related to LU, energy-corrected milk as well as DM intake can be achieved by lowering the CP content in the diet.

Welfare of dairy cows.

This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission's mandate on the welfare of dairy cows as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. It includes three assessments carried out based on literature reviews and complemented by expert opinion. Assessment 1 describes the most prevalent housing systems for dairy cows in Europe: tie-stalls, cubicle housing, open-bedded systems and systems with access to an outdoor area. Per each system, the scientific opinion describes the distribution in the EU and assesses the main strengths, weaknesses and hazards potentially reducing the welfare of dairy cows. Assessment 2 addresses five welfare consequences as requested in the mandate: locomotory disorders (including lameness), mastitis, restriction of movement and resting problems, inability to perform comfort behaviour and metabolic disorders. Per each welfare consequence, a set of animal-based measures is suggested, a detailed analysis of the prevalence in different housing systems is provided, and subsequently, a comparison of the housing systems is given. Common and specific system-related hazards as well as management-related hazards and respective preventive measures are investigated. Assessment 3 includes an analysis of farm characteristics (e.g. milk yield, herd size) that could be used to classify the level of on-farm welfare. From the available scientific literature, it was not possible to derive relevant associations between available farm data and cow welfare. Therefore, an approach based on expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) was developed. The EKE resulted in the identification of five farm characteristics (more than one cow per cubicle at maximum stocking density, limited space for cows, inappropriate cubicle size, high on-farm mortality and farms with less than 2 months access to pasture). If one or more of these farm characteristics are present, it is recommended to conduct an assessment of cow welfare on the farm in question using animal-based measures for specified welfare consequences.

152. Assessing the accuracy of leg mounted sensors for recording dairy cow behavioural activity in cubicle housing, a straw-bedded yard and at pasture

152. Assessing the accuracy of leg mounted sensors for recording dairy cow behavioural activity in cubicle housing, a straw-bedded yard and at pasture

Locomotion behavior of dairy cows on traditional summer mountain farms in comparison with modern cubiclehousing without access to pasture.

Pasture based systems enable cattle to express their natural behavior and are thus expected to provide better welfare than the majority of confinement systems. The aim of this study was to objectively measure locomotion activity of healthy dairy cattle kept on mountain pastures (n = 44) compared with cows kept in cubicle housing systems (n = 38). Selected cows were equipped with a validated 3D-accelerometer on one hind limb, and locomotion behavior was recorded for 48 hours. The 1-hour summaries of the variables lying time, walking time, standing bouts, walking bouts and number of strides were summed up to 24-hour summaries, and the means of the stride distance and stride duration were weighted by the variable number of strides. Mountain pasture cows had higher locomotor activity levels in comparison to cubicle cows. Mountain pasture cows spent less time lying down (528.1±109.5 min/day vs. 693.3±73.8 min/day; P<0.0001) and more time walking (75.6±25.9 min/day vs. 38.8±15.8 min/day; P <0.0001) than cubicle cows. Lying bout duration was longer in cubicle than in mountain pasture cows (90.9± 15.2 min/bout vs. 74.2 ± 21.1 min/bout; P = 0.0001), whilst the number of walking bouts was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (199.1 ± 49.1 vs. 123.8 ± 43.8 bouts per day; P < 0.001). Likewise, the number of strides was higher in mountain pasture cows than cubicle cows (2040.5 ± 825.3 vs. 916.7 ± 408.6; P < 0.001). Mountain pasture cows had shorter stride duration (P < 0.0001) and shorter strides (P = 0.0002) than cubicle cows (1.8 ± 0.1 s/stride vs 2 ± 0.2 s/stride and 126.3 ± 18.1 vs 142.1 ± 17.8 m/stride, respectively). In summary, cows kept on mountain pasture were more active and spent longer than 12 hours / day standing. Lying markedly less than 12 hours per day seems to represent the normal behavior of pastured cows searching for fresh grass. This does not cause any obvious damage to the locomotor system as claws of cattle are well adapted to long periods of movement on mountain pastures.

Assessing the Accuracy of Leg Mounted Sensors for Recording Dairy Cow Behavioural Activity at Pasture, in Cubicle Housing and a Straw Yard.

Simple SummarySensors attached to the legs of cows are used to record behaviours such as lying times and step count. It is important that the information recorded by sensors is accurate, as changes to behaviour could indicate to the farmer that a cow is sick or in heat. Therefore, this study compared the behaviours recorded by IceQube sensors to those visually observed by humans, when the cows where housed at pasture, in a straw yard and in cubicle housing. The results showed that lying and standing times, the number of times the cows stood up and laid down and the number of steps recorded by the sensors and human observers was similar. Sensors accurately recording cow activity could potentially be worn by cows throughout their lives and could be used to predict and detect sick cows. This could allow the farmer to respond quicker and treat sick cows sooner, increasing animal welfare.The accuracy of CowAlert IceQube sensors (IceRobotics Ltd., Edinburgh, UK) for recording lying duration, standing and lying transitions and number of steps when dairy cows where at pasture, in cubicle housing and in a straw yard, was investigated. Holstein Friesian cows at Harper Adams University, UK were fitted with IceQube sensors; one on the back left (BL) leg and one on the front left (FL) leg. Cows at pasture (n = 48), in cubicle housing (n = 46) and in a straw yard (n = 45) were visually observed. Data were analysed in two stages: (1) an initial exploratory phase determined the correlation level between sensor measurements andvisual observations. Subsequently, (2) a mixed effects modelling framework was used to check whether sensors provide significantly different measures of cow’s activities compared to the observations. Results indicate that lying and standing times are similar between the observed and recorded times, in all three locations. In terms of sensor placement, significant differences were found between the number of steps recorded between BL and FL on straw and pasture, but all other activities were similar, in each location. The accuracy of CowAlert IceQube sensors on the BL leg gives them the potential to be used as lifelong sensors.

Animal Health in Compost-Bedded Pack and Cubicle Dairy Barns in Six European Countries.

Simple SummaryDairy barns with compost-bedded pack housing systems are relatively new in Europe. They have housing systems that are vastly different from traditional tie-stall or cubicle housing and provide possibilities for improved animal welfare. However, it is important to investigate how actual cow health is influenced. We used readily available data from 32 dairy herds throughout Europe, half of which had compost-bedded pack housing and half cubicle housing, to investigate differences in dairy cow health. We found that herds with compost-bedded packs had poorer udder health than did herds with cubicles, while they seemed to have fewer problems with reproductive disorders. Our conclusion was that there were few, relatively minor differences between the systems. This knowledge is valuable for farmers interested in applying new housing systems for dairy cows and for consumers who want to stay informed about production conditions in dairy herds.The purpose of this study was to compare animal health in compost-bedded pack (CBP) and cubicle housing (CH) systems using data from dairy herd improvement associations. Thirty-two commercial dairy farms located in Austria, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Slovenia, and Sweden were included in the study. A matching design (pairing CBP and CH within country) according to herd selection criteria was used. We explored the following health indicators: somatic cell counts (SCC), high SCC, new high SCC, ketosis risk, prolonged calving intervals, dystocia, and stillbirth. Traits for culling and culling-related issues, such as length of life and length of productive life, were also included. We used multivariable (mixed) linear and logistic regression models to evaluate differences between the systems. Udder health, as measured by SCC, was inferior in CBP, although the geometric means were low in both systems. The incidence of stillbirths was higher in CBP, while prolonged calving intervals were fewer, indicating that there were fewer reproductive disorders. There were no differences in longevity between the systems, although CBP had lower proportions of first calvers. Overall, we conclude that there were few and minor differences in health and longevity between the CBP and CH systems in the European context.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКИЕ ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ РАЗМЕРОВ КОРОВНИКА

When designing new livestock farms, it is important to introduce the proper space-planning solutions in cow barns and technological solutions for major production processes. This task requires the development of mathematical relationships. The study presents the mathematical relationships for determining the dimensions of a cow barn for loose cubicle housing of animals using three options for the location of cubicles (technological modules). Each mathematical relationship takes into account several factors. They include the number of cows in the group; parameters of the technological module depending on the live weight of cows (the dimensions of cubicles and alleys); selection of the width of a feed table, a manure removal channel and a cow traffic alley depending on the adopted technological solutions. Determining the overall barn size makes it easier to compare different options of spatial solutions for the loose cubicle housing in terms of financial costs and animal comfort. It also allows selecting an option best suited for specific farm conditions at the stage of preparing the design assignment (basis). The proposed relationships can be used in designing algorithms of dairy farms.

The influence of global warming on the productivity and quality of cow's milk

The objective of this research was to analyze the dynamics of productivity, quality composition and energy value of cow's milk obtained during three periods (3 years each) in central Ukraine by various technological housing variants. Over the last 20 years, there has been a global trend towards of increasing in the average annual temperature, which is especially felt in winter and affects to the cattle body, their productivity and the energy value of milk. To more effectively overcome the consequences of changing weather conditions, various continentally-achieved spatial composition and types of facility for livestock housing are used, the impact of which is not sufficiently studied. We analyzed the main weather indicators for the last decade in the central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine (Kyiv region). The time period from 2011 to 2019 was conditionally divided into three periods (3 years each): I moderate, whose main weather indicators corresponded to the average long-term (30 years) values inherent in this natural and climatic zone; II (with a deviation of +0.6 °C from normal values) and III (with a deviation of +0.9 °C from normal values). During cubicle housing in low cost facilities was observed that productivity increased by 0.19 and 0.97 kg in II and III periods compared to I. During cubicle housing in facilities with insulation systems productivity gradually increased by 0.47 kg during II periods and by 0.92 kg during III periods. The most uniform productivity indicators were observed by housing on a deep litter among low cost facilities. Thus, productivity increased by 0.24 kg during II periods period, and in III period it increased by 0.47 kg compared to the I period. The dynamics of average daily productivity have a slightly more uniform by housing in capital facilities compared to low cost facilities. During tie housing productivity increased by 0.18 kg in II periods, and in III periods it increased by 0.32 kg. Productivity increased by 0.19 and 0.43 kg in reconstructed capital facilities during II and III periods.

Annual Nitrogen Balance from Dairy Barns, Comparison between Cubicle and Compost-Bedded Pack Housing Systems in the Northeast of Spain.

Simple SummaryEnvironmental concerns related to livestock production have driven the importance of developing manure-management alternatives to mitigate N emissions. Hence, we carried out measurements of N loss in two different dairy housing systems (compost-bedded pack vs. cubicles), each system with a very distinct manure-management procedure. Since each system performs different manure-management practices, it may be important to compare their efficiency in terms of N recovery from manure in both systems. In contemplation of annual temperature variation, measurements of N recovery after manure management were carried out during warm and cold seasons of the year. Significantly higher volatilization rates were found in compost-bedded pack system with respect to cubicles system, therefore, N left in manure was lower in compost-bedded pack barns.The aim of this study was to determine N recovery and irreversible losses (i.e., through NH3-N volatilization) from manure in two different housing systems throughout a year using an N mass balance approach. Dietary, milk, and manure N were monitored together with outside temperatures in six dairy barns during six months, comprising two different seasons. Three barns were designed as conventional free stalls (cubicle, CUB) and the other three barns as compost-bedded packs (CB). All the barns were located in the Ebro’s valley, in the northeast of Spain. Mass N balance was performed simultaneously in the six barns, during two three-month periods (Season I and II) and sampling at a 15-day interval. Results of ANOVA analysis showed that annual N retained in manure (kg/head per year) from cows housed in CUB barns was significantly higher than in manure from cows housed in CB (133.5 vs. 70.9, p < 0.001), while the opposite was observed for N losses (26.9 vs. 84.8, for CUB and CB barn, respectively; p < 0.005). The annual mean proportion of irreversible N loss from manure in relation to N intake was much lower in barns using conventional free-stall cubicles than the mean ratio registered in bedded pack systems barns.

Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay for cow housing systems in eight European countries

AbstractFree walk housing systems aim to address major animal health issues for dairy cows and support higher animal welfare. The purpose of this study is to estimate consumer acceptance of different housing systems and willingness to pay (WTP) for milk from tie-stall, cubicle, compost-bedded, and artificial floor housing systems in addition to attitudes toward animal welfare. Focus groups were held to identify the pertinent concepts for an online quantitative survey conducted in eight European countries. A discrete choice experiment was included for estimating WTP. Consumers are found to care about animal welfare and grazing. Results indicate consumers like the compost-bedded system the best followed by the artificial floor system; however, no positive WTP for these systems was found. Consumers seem to find the current labeling rules regarding organic production and grazing sufficiently informative. The results can help producers make more informed investment and marketing decisions regarding cow husbandry.

Effect of grouping on behaviour of dairy heifers and cows in the transition period.

Regrouping dairy cows is a common feature of dairy farm management. Cows are grouped based on lactation stage, age, milk yield and other factors. Regrouping cows during the dry period (from far-off area to close up area and from close up area to the main herd) brings new challenges. This is especially true for heifers who, after being confirmed gravid, may be grouped into a new pen with dried off cows. The aims of this study were to determine how grouping affects activity, nearest neighbour relationships and aggression, and how heifers' acclimatization to a new group differs from cows. Therefore, the hypotheses were that regrouping cows has less of an effect on older cows compared to heifers, and cows' individuality affects acclimatization to a new group. Aggression data were recorded using a video camera that was directed at the feed bunk, and activity was recorded with activity monitors that were attached around the right hind leg. Synchrony and distance to nearest neighbour were recorded, as was the cows' location on the first 3 d from the day they returned to the main herd. Motion index, mean number of steps and number of lying bouts were significantly higher after calving compared to the week before calving and the difference was higher amongst heifers compared to cows (P < 0.001). Both cows and heifers lay down more in the strawyard compared to cubicle housing (P < 0.01) and cows were more aggressive than heifers in both housing systems (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). As hypothesized, heifers were more affected by regrouping and cows with more experience settled quicker to their new environment.

Study of nitrogen fluxes across conventional solid floor cubicle and compost-bedded pack housing systems in dairy cattle barns located in the Mediterranean area: Effects of seasonal variation

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of housing system (or manure management system) and season on manure N recovery and volatilization using an N mass balance. Dietary, milk, and manure N were monitored together with outside temperatures in 6 dairy barns. Three barns were designed as conventional freestalls (cubicle, CUB) with an automatic manure scraper system and concrete floor, in which the gutter in the middle was continuously scraped (every 2-4 h) and the slurry was conveyed toward an open-air concrete pool. The other 3 barns were designed as a loose housing system (HS) with a compost-bedded pack (CB) and conventional confinement housing provided with a feed alley that was cleaned mechanically (2-3 times per day). The farms under study were located near Lleida in the center of the Ebro valley, in northeastern Spain. Nitrogen recovery was measured twice under farm-like conditions either during spring-summer (3 mo of increasing temperatures) or fall-winter (3 mo of decreasing temperatures). The number of cows per barn ranged from 99 to 473, and average age, mean lactation, and parturition intervals were 4.1 yr, 2.43 lactations, and 426.6 d, respectively. In spring-summer, animals ate more [26.3 vs. 23.8 kg of dry matter (DM)/d] and produced more milk (34.6 vs. 31.3 kg/d ± 0.68). However, milk composition did not change. Stored manure from the CB system showed a higher DM concentration with respect to the CUB system (379.15 vs. 97.65 g/kg of fresh matter); however, N (31.45 vs. 40.2), NH3-N (5.3 vs. 18.9) and its ratios with phosphorus (NH3-N:P, 3.52 vs. 5.2) and potassium (NH3-N:K, 0.615 vs. 2.69) showed the opposite trend. No differences were found in N intake (653 vs. 629.5 g/d) or milk N secretion (190 vs. 177.8 g/d for CUB and CB barns, respectively) although net N recovery of the excreted N (Nintake - NMilk) was significantly lower in manure in CB barns than in CUB systems (193.8 vs. 389.3 g/d). The proportion of N irreversible loss in relation to the N intake was higher in CB than in CUB barns (42.3 vs. 11.0%). There was no clear association between season and irreversible N losses; however, the housing system was pivotal in the association between N recovery in manure and irreversible losses by volatilization.

The effect of deep straw versus cubicle housing on behaviour during the dry period in Holstein cows

The present observational study assessed the effect of deep straw bedding compared to cubicles during the dry period on lying-, feeding- and agonistic behaviour in Holstein cows. A total of 74 primi- (heifers) and multiparous cows were moved either onto deep straw bedding (DS) or into cubicle housing (CS) 4 wk before the expected calving date and were observed for 21 consecutive days. Throughout the 21 d lying time and the number of lying bouts were recorded using automated accelerometers while feeding time, the number of feeder visits and feed intake was recorded using automatic feed bins. All variables were averaged by week. The transition time from lying to standing was obtained by averaging five randomly selected standing up events on d 7 prior to the actual calving date while the number of failed standing attempts was obtained by following the cows standing up bouts throughout all of d 7 prior to the actual calving date. The frequency of agonistic behaviour was obtained from 7 h of continuous video recordings on d 21 and 7 (or 8) before the actual calving date. Lying time was not affected by treatment but DS cows had a higher number of lying bouts and a shorter transition time between lying and standing compared to CS cows. Primiparous cows had a higher number of lying bouts compared to multiparous cows. There were no treatment differences in feeding behaviour but multiparous cows spent more time feeding and increased their feed intake more across weeks compared to primiparous cows. Cows housed in DS initiated more agonistic behaviour compared to CS cows at d 7 (or 8) before calving while no difference between treatments was seen at 21 d before calving. These results suggest that deep straw bedding facilitates the transition between lying and standing but may increase agonistic behaviour.

Relationship between herd size and measures of animal welfare on dairy cattle farms with freestall housing in Germany

The objective of this study was to examine the association of herd size with animal welfare in dairy cattle herds. Therefore, 80 conventional dairy cattle farms were classified by the number of cows into 4 herd size classes, C1 (<100 cows), C2 (100-299 cows), C3 (300-499 cows), and C4 (≥500 cows), and assessed using multiple animal-based measures of the Welfare Quality Assessment protocol for dairy cattle. Data were recorded from April 2014 to September 2016 by an experienced single assessor in northern Germany. Each farm was visited 2 times at an interval of 6 mo (summer period and winter period) to avoid seasonal effects on the outcome. The average herd size was 383 ± 356 Holstein-Friesian cows (range 45 to 1,629). Only farms with freestall (cubicle) housing and a maximum of 6 h access to pasture per day were included in the study. Data were statistically analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. None of the farms reached the highest overall rating of "excellent." The majority of the farms were classified as "enhanced" (30%) or "acceptable" (66%), and at 6 assessments the farms were rated as "not classified" (4%). Regarding single indicators, mean trough length per cow, percentage of cows with nasal discharge, and vulvar discharge increased with increasing herd size, whereas it was vice versa for displacements of cows. Percentage of lean cows, percentage of dirty lower legs, and duration of the process of lying down showed a curvilinear relationship with the number of cows per farm. Herd size was not associated with any other measures of the Welfare Quality protocol. In conclusion, herd size effects were small, and consequently herd size cannot be considered as a feasible indicator of the on-farm animal welfare level. Housing conditions and management practices seem to have a greater effect on animal welfare than the number of dairy cows per farm.

The behaviour of housed dairy cattle with and without pasture access: A review

With more dairy cows being housed indoors, for at least part of the year, it is important to understand how housing impacts on ‘normal behaviour’ and the implications for cow welfare. For cows on pasture, nutritional requirements and climatic conditions are the major concerns, whilst indoor housing systems can restrict natural behaviours and reduce health as incidences of lameness and mastitis increase. When given a choice to be at pasture or in cubicle housing, studies have shown that time of day, season, and where feed is provided can influence preference. Previous experience also had a big effect on pasture preference: the longer calves/heifers/cows were reared without experience of pasture the stronger their preference for housing. The ontogeny of grazing also requires pasture experience i.e. the instinctive foraging behaviour of calves is to suckle and they have to learn through experience how to graze. These results raise the question: if cattle are to be housed for part of the year, would it be better to house them continuously? Other results would suggest not, as there are clear production, health and welfare benefits to pasture access. Cows at pasture had lower levels of lameness and mastitis, and cows with free access to pasture and indoor housing also produced more milk than those continuously housed. Approximately half of this extra milk was attributed to grass intake, and increased lying, improved comfort and/or lower stress probably accounted for the rest. Although incorporating free access between housing and pasture is difficult on many farms, it is postulated that developments in precision livestock farming offer the potential to provide a technological solution to this problem. These research findings could be used as the basis to design novel, adaptive housing that responds to cow behaviour. The aim would be to incorporate the best aspects of pasture with the best aspects of housing to provide an environment that meets the needs of the cows all year around.

Claw health and prevalence of lameness in cows from compost bedded and cubicle freestall dairy barns in Austria

Claw health and lameness data from five dairies with compost bedded barns (n = 201 data sets) were evaluated and compared with data from five dairy herds housed in freestall cubicle barns (n = 297 data sets). They were matched for having the same cow numbers, flooring type and similar milk yield. The prevalence of lameness, claw lesions and their severity grades were analysed. Two claw health indicators, the cow claw score (CCS) and the farm claw score (FCS), were calculated using a computerised claw trimming database programme; there was no significant difference in overall lameness prevalence in cows from five compost bedded barns (18.7%) compared to cows from five freestall cubicle herds (14.9%). A cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) did not show significant differences in locomotion between different types of bedding material, flooring system, breed, visit number, observer and time since last trimming, but locomotion was significantly influenced by CCS. Another CLMM tested the impact of parameters mentioned on CCS and showed significant influence of flooring type, visit number and cattle breed. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of claw disorders between compost bedded and freestall cubicle barns were found for white line disease (WLD; 20.4% and 46.6%, respectively), heel horn erosion (HHE; 26.9% and 59.9%, respectively), concave dorsal wall as a result of chronic laminitis (6.5% and 15.9%, respectively) and for interdigital hyperplasia (0.2% and 3.1%, respectively). The results of this study indicate that compost dairy barns are a good alternative to common cubicle housing systems in terms of lameness, claw health and animal welfare.

Control of ammonia air pollution through the management of thermal processes in cowsheds

Experimental researches performed in manufacturing cowsheds have demonstrated a variation of ammonia concentration and the factors influencing this most during different periods of the year. The process of ammonia evaporation from manure is influenced by many varying and interrelated factors with temperature and the intensity of air ventilation being the most critical ones. The influence of these factors on the process of ammonia evaporation was established by laboratory researches. An increase in temperature results in an exponential increase in ammonia emission, whereas the dependence of the emission on the air velocity is best expressed by a second degree polynomial. The results obtained may be used as a forecast of the ammonia emissions from cowsheds during different periods of the year. Intensive ventilation is required for the removal of excess moisture from the housing, and this limits the possibilities to reduce ammonia emissions by controlling the intensity of ventilation. A reduction in the amount of ventilation is only recommended if the air quality indices meet the requirements applied to the housing. Better opportunities to reduce ammonia emissions are provided through management of the thermal processes in a cowshed. If the average annual air temperature (11.3°C) is reduced by one degree in a cubicle housing cowshed, the ammonia emissions will decrease by 10%.

Effect of urease inhibitor application on urease activity in three different cubicle housing systems under practical conditions

The reduction of ammonia emission from animal husbandry is required due to detrimental and harmful effects on environment, health and fertilizer value. Nevertheless, practicable measures with a high ammonia mitigation potential, which can be implemented in existing dairy housing systems without significant constructional changes, are still rare. A possible reduction option, not previously used in practice, is the application of urease inhibitors on floor surfaces in dairy houses. Urease inhibitors inhibit the enzyme urease, which is responsible for the release of ammonia. It can, therefore, be assumed that a reduction of the urease activity always results in ammonia mitigation. Cubicle housing systems for dairy cattle differ in technical, climatic and organizational conditions. Consequently, tests on three different housings in three seasons have been carried out in the current study to evaluate the use of urease inhibitor in practice. The effect of the urease inhibitor was investigated based on detection of urease activity. A significant correlation of floor surface temperature and level of urease activity was observed. The current study shows that the application of a novel urease inhibitor resulted in overall average reduction of urease activity of 80% at dairy housing systems and at different seasons.