Agricultural Research Management Information System

Home
Research Summary
Search
About Us
- ARMIS
- Brochure
Contact Us
Report
User Request
Data Input
Help
- Operation Manual
  - PDF
  - Video
- Program Area & Commodity
We have reached 37600 number of research entries at this moment.

- Logout

Research Detail

Home
Research
Detail

Effect of Floor on Welfare of Lactating Cows in Small Farms of Sirajgonj District, Bangladesh

M. Ariful Islam
Animal Welfare Research House, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Solama Akter Shanta
Animal Welfare Research House, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Rukaiya Akter Lima
Animal Welfare Research House, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Shimul Mazumdar
Animal Welfare Research House, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Animal welfare is a relatively new topic and there is a dearth of the report regarding the welfare assessment of dairy cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the effect of floor surface of the dairy sheds on mastitis, skin lesions, cleanliness of body and lameness of lactating cow in smallholders’ production system. To conduct this study, 5 soil type floor, 5 brick paved and 5 concrete floors of small holder dairy units were selected in Sirajgonj district. From each shed, 5 numbers of dairy cows were selected preferably in the first lactation stage. A total 75 milk samples from three different types of the shed were tested for subclinical mastitis using a California mastitis test. The results showed that 40%, 28%, and 32% cows were CMT positive for subclinical mastitis in soil, brick made and concrete type floor, respectively. The prevalence of SCM was not significantly differences among the different types of floor (P>0.05). Cleanliness and hygienic status of the muddy soil type floor were found to be significantly poor in comparison to that of brick made and concrete type floor of dairy farms. The prevalence of skin lesions in different body parts was higher in brick made (62%) and concrete floor sheds (88%) compared to soil bedded (31%) floor. Hair loses in the concrete and brick made floor was significantly higher (P≤0.01) in comparison with the muddy soil floor. The overall prevalence of lameness of the brick made (72%) and concrete type floor was higher (65%) than that of soil bedded shed (48%). There was a significant difference of lameness between soil type and brick made floor of the shed (P>0.05). The study recommends that in order to reduce the high prevalence of subclinical mastitis, skin lesions and lameness in smallholder farmers require to improve floor conditions through regular cleaning of the floor or upgrade to the concrete floor using rubber mat.

Keywords: Animal welfare, Dairy cattle, Floor type, Body injury, Mastitis, Lameness

Location: Sirajganj district, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-09-2017

End Date: 00-05-2018

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cow

Objectives:

To evaluate how the floor types of the small holder farms affects the welfare of dairy cows in Sirajgonj district which is a high milk producing area of the country.

Methodology:

Study site, farms and animals: The present study was conducted during the period from September 2017 to May 2018 in Sirajganj district. During the visit of farms, the farmer were informed of the purpose of the study and assured that their identity would be kept confidential. A preliminary survey was made prior to actual study for selecting apparently similar shed and animals for the proposed study. Recordings of the data were performed in 5 numbers of soil bedded sheds, 5 brick made sheds and 5 numbers of concrete bedded sheds. From each shed 5 numbers of dairy cows were selected preferably in the first 1-3 months of lactation stage. Questionnaire: Face-to-face interviews with the farmers were carried out using a questionnaire with multiple-choice and semi-closed questions to collect data. Different parameters like standing floor space provided per animal, cleanliness and hygiene management and incidence of mastitis, skin lesion and lameness were studied during the study. At all times, farmers had the opportunity to clarify questions and add personal information and remarks. The on-farm assessment took an hour long interview and direct observation on the body injury and cleanliness of different body parts and lameness.Cleanliness score: Animals were assessed by visual inspection and scored for cleanliness and hygiene by using a modification of the system described by Napolitano et al. (2005). A scoring chart divided the pelvis into five identifiable areas which were rated on a scale with anchor points at each end (0: clean and 2: very dirty) and half point increments. Scores were subsequently added to obtain a single value for each animal. The five regions were: ano-genital, udder rear view & lateral view, leg, hind underbelly and thigh. Skin Lesions in body parts: During data collection on farm, cows were inspected for different lesions on different parts of animal body. Lesions on the skin were recorded on both the left and the right legs at the following locations: knee (carpal joint), front code (fetlock joint), hock (tarsal joint), stifle joint (articulation genus), and hip (tuber coxae). Lesions were classified as; 1: no noticeable changes, 2: hair loss, 3: swollen, 4: wound, as describe by Regula et al.(2004). Lameness score: Lameness score was recorded after the afternoon milking using a scheme proposed by Breuer et al. (2000). Locomotion scoring is based on the observation of cows standing and walking (gait), with special emphasis on their back posture. Data were collected when cows were present in the shed. A score of 0 to 3 was used, where 0 was assigned when the animal was not lame (normal gait), 1 was given when the cow was mild lame, 2 was indicates, moderate lameness in cow and 3 was recorded when the cow was suffer from severely lame. Detection of sub-clinical mastitis by CMT tester For detection of sub-clinical mastitis, CMT was performed as the instructions of manufacturer (CHEIL BIO Co. Ltd.). In brief, 2 mL milk sample and 2 mL CMT solution were mixed together in test paddle. Rotate the paddle to mix, and changes in color and gel formation was observed within 10 to 15 Sec. Data Analysis: Percentage (%) of values was calculated for different variable. To find out the significance difference, student’s t test was used.

Source of Information: Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 7, No. 1, April 2020: 87-95. ISSN : P-2409-0603, E-2409-9325

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From this study it can be concluded that the welfare of dairy cows is significantly influenced by the floor type in the studied area of Bangladesh. Thus, it can be said that worldwide due to increased animal welfare standards, flooring of the animal house will take an important position. The present study revealed that the concrete bedded and brick-paved floor type of shed has advantages in regards to cleanliness and hygiene. However, overall skin lesion and lameness were found to be higher in brick made and concrete type floor than that of soil type floor of dairy sheds. Prevalence of SCM was found to be higher in brick made floor type shed and the incidence of mastitis was found to be higher in concrete type floor. It has also been observed that the concrete and brick made floor type shed was better in management in comparison to soil type floor of shed indicating the animal welfare. Thus, the resting area could be covered with sand bed and concrete or brick type floor could be covered with rubber mat to improve the dairy cattle welfare in terms of decreasing mastitis, lameness and skin lesions.

Knowledge Management: Journal