Impact of housing modification on locomotion and feeding behaviour in lactating Sahiwal cows during summer stress

R  ARORA; S C  GOSWAMI; M L  CHAUDHARY; SESH  ASHOPA

doi:10.56093/ijans.v95i9.166946

Authors

R ARORA College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India
S C GOSWAMI College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India
M L CHAUDHARY College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India
SESH ASHOPA College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v95i9.166946

Keywords:

Behavioural pattern, Heat stress, Locomotion score, Rubber mat, Welfare

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of selected shelter and flooring modifications on lameness and feeding behaviour of Sahiwal cows in earlylactation under subtropical field conditions. Twenty four clinically healthy cows (1–3 months in milk) were randomly allotted to four equal groups for 150 days (June–November 2018): G1 (control, concrete floor, no modification), G2 (rubber mat over concrete), G3 (concrete plus microclimate modification: fans and twicedaily water sprinkling at 11:00 and 15:00 h), and G4 (rubber mat plus microclimate modification as in G3). All cows received identical diets (green and dry fodder plus 2.5 kg concentrate; additional concentrate adjusted postcalving for milk yield) and were hand milked twice daily. Lameness was assessed fortnightly using a fivepoint locomotion scoring system (1= sound; 5= severely lame). Mean locomotion scores differed significantly (P<0.05): G1 2.04 ±0.12, G2 1.35 ±0.10, G3 1.81 ±0.09, G4 1.23 ±0.14, indicating lower lameness on rubber flooring with or without microclimate modification. Feeding time (minutes/day) increased with environmental improvements. Combining rubber mats and cooling (G4) produced the most favourable welfare indicators. Practical adoption of these modifications may reduce lameness risk and support sustained feed intake in Sahiwal cows.

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