Changes in dairy cows' behaviour, health, and production after transition from tied to loose housing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transition of dairy cows from a tied to a loose housing system may affect their behaviour, health and production. Such housing system changes have become more frequent in Estonia but knowledge is lacking on how cows adapt to a new system. The aim of this study was to evaluate how cows' behaviour, milk production and composition, and different aspects of their health changed after transition from tied to loose housing.

Results

A herd of 400 dairy cows was moved to a new system on the same farm, so that effects of transport were not confounding factors. Behavioural observations were made for approximately 4 months following transition. Milk production data were recorded from 12 months before to 12 months after transition. Examination for skin alterations and cleanli

SUBMITTER: Pavlenko A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10314408 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature