Welfare on Dairy Cows in Different Housing Systems: Emphasis on Digestive Parasitological Infections.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to assess welfare indicators in different dairy cow management systems, determine the prevalence of parasitic infections, and examine the impact of these infections on welfare indicators. This study was conducted in 2024 on 45 Holstein-Friesian cows aged 2 to 6 years (first to third lactation) in Northern Serbia. Monitoring was carried out in tie stall, loose, and pasture-based systems, covering three production phases: late dry period, clinical puerperium, and peak lactation. Cow welfare was evaluated using the Welfare Quality^® protocol, and parasitological diagnostics from fecal samples. Identified welfare issues included a low body condition score (BCS), dirtiness of udders, flanks, and legs, integument alterations, nasal and ocular discharge, lam

SUBMITTER: Paukovic D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11860239 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature