Abstract

ALEJOS, J. I. et al. Housing indicators related to animal welfare in dairy cows. Rev. vet. [online]. 2021, vol.32, n.2, pp.174-180. ISSN 1669-6840.  http://dx.doi.org/10.30972/vet.3225728.

20.

Animal welfare has now taken its rise in the world, especially due to its ethical, productive and economic repercussions. Animal welfare assessment protocols are a useful tool because they allow identifying the factors that reduce the quality of life of animals, to be able to improve it and make animal production an increasingly ethical, humane and efficient activity. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate animal welfare indicators associated with housing of dairy cows of low and medium scale production units in central area of Mexico. 2600 dairy cows were evaluated using partially the protocol proposed by Welfare Quality®: time needed to lie down; collision at the moment of lying down; cows that rest partially or totally outside there sting area; cleaning flanks, udders and hind legs; presence of lameness in different degree; presence of hairless areas and presence of injury or inflammation. The values found in most of the indicators evaluated were in adequate considering the parameters suggested in the protocol used. Housing cows evaluated, it does not provide the necessary for proper rest conditions, so it is recommended urgent action in the area to be assessed in order to improve the quality of housing and there fore the welfare and productivity of animals.

Keywords : housing; animal welfare; dairy cows.

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