Survey of Dairy Management Practices on One Hundred Thirteen North Central and Northeastern United States Dairies

摘要: The objective was to conduct a broad survey of dairy management practices that have an effect on animal well-being. Dairies were visited during the fall and winter 2005 2006 in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, New York. Data collected 113 dairies colostrum feeding, dehorning, tail-docking, euthanasia methods, producer statements about welfare, use specialized calf-raising farms (custom), level satisfaction with by producers, cow behavior. Calves raised owner 50.4% dairies; 30.1% custom milk-feeding period, 18.6% after weaning, 1% sold calves option buy them back as first-lactation heifers. A total 51.8% producers very satisfied their current methods. Three feedings fed 23.9% dairies, 2 39.8% farms, 1 feeding 31.0% replacement products 5.3% farms. Many (61.9%) provided 3.8 L at first feeding. dehorned different ages various By 8 wk, 34.5% dehorned. 12 78.8% majority hot iron (67.3%). remainder gouging (8.8%), paste (9.7%), saw (3.5%), or unknown calf (10.6%). Anesthetic reported 12.4% owners analgesia 1.8%. Tail-docking observed 82.3% dairies. most common docking time pre- postcalving (35.2%). second commonly d (15.4%). Rubber band method (92.5%), followed amputation (7.5%). amputated precalving, mo 3 2. Cow hygiene reason given dock (73.5%), parlor worker comfort (17.4%) udder health (1.0%). Producers 2.0% cows obviously lame. Gun preferred (85.7%), i.v. (8.0%), live pick-up (1.8%), nondisclosure (3.5%). Most (77.9%) stated improved environment compared 20 yr ago, whereas 8.0% conditions worse, 14.2% undecided. higher percentages either approached touched observer had lower somatic cell counts. results showed important for welfare.