Relationships between building design, management system and dairy cow welfare

摘要: As part of a larger on-farm dairy cow welfare and behaviour project, data were collected from 22 commercial farms over two winters (between 2000 2001 between 2002). A further winter farm sampling will complete the project 2002 2003), with five types housing production systems being assessed: high-, medium- low-milk-production herds cubicle housing, high-production zero grazing medium-production straw courts. All cows in one early or mid-lactation group each observed. For current analysis, locomotion, cleanliness body condition scored for group, an audit building quality was carried out. Analysis available shows that some aspects design affect cows. positive correlation found mean score locomotion (P=0.047). Body correlated negatively number (P=0.049). Negative correlations ratio cubicles to (P=0.033) size leg (P=0.012). Trends also seen relationships type (P=0.048), level (P=0.074) (P=0.061). These results indicate management system can welfare. measures may be useful include assessment schemes.