Compost barn: diagnóstico das propriedades em relação a qualidade da cama e o bem-estar dos animais: estudo de caso

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the animal welfare degree and litter quality in the properties that have the compost barn confinement for dairy cows. Data collection took place in two properties located in the municipality of Dois Vizinhos - Paraná, from April to May 2019. Descriptions of the management of 25 animals were made, with a total of 50 animals, all of which are multiparous and are divided in lactating and late lactating lots and dried cows. The data collected were pre and post milking management, the average milk yield and somatic cell count (SCC) of the herd. The animal dirt score and lameness were performed by observation, while the animal surface temperature, water temperature and litter temperature measurements were also performed using the Flir infrared thermographic camera. All data were related to the 5 freedoms. To measure the degree of animal welfare, tests were performed, such as animal leakage in relation to the handlers, verification of water and food supply, degree of lameness, wounds and diseases. The number of animals per litter area was also analyzed so that they could interact with each other and express their natural behavior. From the collection of all these data, the following results were obtained: the average milk production of Macagnan property during the data collection period was 28 liters / cow / day, 1 liter more than the Geremias property. CCS values ranged from 386 to 450 (x1000 cells / mL). Both properties allow the animals to have sanitary freedom, because besides the pre and post dipping handling, the highest dirt score observed was grade 2 being slightly dirty ceilings, besides having a cleanresting place. About nutritional freedom both properties provide balanced diets and water at will. The collections performed in the afternoon showed that the animals could be in the beginning of thermal stress, because the temperature found on these days ranged from 24.2 to 26.5ºC and the thermoneutral zone is from 4 to 24ºC, on other days such problem was not evidenced. The animals are not free of pain because the degree of lameness reached grade 2 for Macagnan and 3 for Geremias, presenting animals with chilblains, however, the animals did not present other bodily injuries. Related to the freedom to express their natural behavior, the animals have an adequate area for this, reaching 11.4 m2 / animal. It is concluded that the farms are providing adequate conditions for dairy cattle breeding, just needing some management adjustments.