Assessing dairy cow welfare during the grazing and housing periods on spring-calving, pasture-based dairy farms.

摘要: The different periods characterizing spring-calving, pasture-based dairy systems common in Ireland have seldom been the focus of large-scale cow welfare research. Thus, aim this study was to devise and conduct an animal-based assessment during both grazing housing on farms, identify areas for improvement establish benchmarks indicators good welfare. Assessment seven conducted two visits (one each at housing) 82 commercial farms southern Ireland. Herd-level descriptive statistics were performed all visit, differences between analyzed using paired t-tests Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. A mean 9% 10% clinically lame cows (mobility scores 2 3) observed grazing, respectively. Recommended body condition (BCS) not met a 13% 23% housing, with more over-conditioned present than (P 1 m (indicative fearful response) from approaching human average 82% 42% 75% housed cows, dependent test location. Opportunities improve system identified tail injury prevention, nasal health, management indoor feeding. performance top 20% indicator used of: 0% 5% clinical lameness, 12% outside recommended BCS, 27% ocular discharge, 2% 16% lacerations docked tails, 3% breaks, 14% integument alterations, 4% 74% avoidance distance >1 m. These represent attainable targets spring-calving promote