Effects Of Different Bedding Comfort Levels On Milk Performance, Reproduction, And Health Status In Dairy Cows

With the popularity of the concept of animal welfare, dairy welfare has becominga factor that can not be ignored in modern dairy industry. Providing a comfortablesurrounding environment for cows can contribute to increase their productivity levels,to maintain efficiently production, the producers should focus on surroundingenvironment which cows living continuously. Any aspect of the housing system whichcan potentially stress the cows will inevitably affect dairy productivity. It is importantfor the provision of properly designed free stalls with comfortable bedding materials.The bedding is known to be an important factor influencing cow comfort, in particular,the surface softness and shock absorption is believed to be important. The free stallshould provide a comfortable resting space, and minimize injure. It must be noted thatthe most desirable working environment for workers may not be ideal for animals.The bedding environment can strongly affect the standing and lying behavior, andthen directly or indirect affect milk production, reproductive, and cows health, is notconducive to maximize both production and economic.The objectives of this study were to compare five degrees for bedding comfort inthree genetic groups (Hybrids, Improved-hybrids and Pure Holsteins) and parity fordaily yielding, milk components (Milk fat PCT, Milk protein PCT, Milk lactose PCTand SNF PCT), days to first breeding (DFB), days open (DO), services per conception(SPC) and conception rate (CR), to evaluate the impact of bedding comfort levels onmilk performance, reproduction performance, and health condition. In order toprovide the theoretical and practical basis for improving the cows surroundingenvironment and bedding comfortable, achieve the purpose of improving productionperformance.The results were as followed:1. Daily yielding were significant increased with the degree of bedding comfortlevels.2. The CR was significant improved with the degree of bedding comfort.3. The mastitis and foot and leg problem in lactation cows were significantassociated with the bedding comfort levels, bedding comfort levels played a keyrole in health of cow.