The freestall reimagined: effects on stall hygiene and space usage in dairy cattle
Beaver, A., Strazhnik, E., von Keyserlingk, M.A.G. and Weary, D.M. (2021) The freestall reimagined: effects on stall hygiene and space usage in dairy cattle. Animals, 11 (6).
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Abstract
Modern freestall barns for dairy cattle have been constructed with considerations for dairy cow cleanliness; partitions and other stall features such as neck rails are designed to reduce manure contamination of bedding and decrease farm labor. However, cows prefer to lie in more open spaces, including on bedded packs and pasture. We created an “alternative” housing area by modifying a traditional freestall pen and including flexible partitions to create larger lying areas. We assessed cattle lying behaviour, including lying postures, in this alternative pen (ALT) compared to an open pack (OP) and freestalls (FS) with different stocking densities. We also assessed levels of manure contamination across systems. Cleanliness was highest in FS, but ALT provided substantial improvement compared to OP. Cattle spent more time lying down in OP and ALT compared to FS. There were few differences in postures (such as lying with limbs outstretched) between OP and ALT, but cows in both of these systems more often lay in extended positions compared to when they were housed in FS. Housing in OP and ALT was associated with reduced perching for cows with high body weight; perching has been linked to an increased prevalence of both hoof lesions and lameness. Thus, alternative lying areas can offer a solution for producers seeking to provide cattle with the advantages of a more open lying area, while improving hygiene relative to an open pack.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | resting behaviour, standing behaviour, free stall, cubicle, restrictive housing, cow cleanliness, cow comfort, animal welfare, animal well-being |
| Divisions: | Veterinary Health and Animal Sciences (from 1.08.20 to 31.08.21) |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Rachael Giles |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jun 2021 12:54 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jul 2021 11:28 |
| URI: | https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17709 |
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