Integrative Multivariate Analysis of Milk Biomarkers, Productive Performance, and Animal Welfare Indicators in Dairy Cows.

ABSTRACT: Animal welfare is increasingly recognised as a core component of sustainable dairy production, yet objective assessment at the herd level remains challenging. This study evaluated whether milk biomarkers can serve as non-invasive indicators of cow welfare. Thirty-seven dairy farms were assessed using the Welfare Quality^® protocol and various milk analysis parameters. As a first line of results, Spearman correlations revealed strong associations between milk biomarkers and welfare indicators. For example, a higher fat-to-protein ratio was linked to better feeding, lower prevalence of hunger, and improved human-animal relationships. In contrast, elevated somatic cell count and differential somatic cell count were associated with mastitis, lameness, dirtiness, and reduced emotional

SUBMITTER: Babiciu DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12607959 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature