Use of Animal-Based Parameters to Evaluate Tie-Stall Design and Stockmanship on Dairy Farms in Ontario
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20044946Keywords:
lameness, mastitis, Injury, fecal contamination, stockmanship, tie-stall design, cattle welfare, husbandry, animal welfareAbstract
Injury, poor claw health, lameness and mastitis due to fecal contamination are negative results from inadequate stockmanship or tie-stall design. These problems affect cattle welfare and increase the probability of premature culling, lost production and negative attitudes by the public toward the dairy industry. Animal-based parameters can be used to measure the cow's response to management choices. This information can be used to evaluate husbandry choices and improve animal welfare and productivity.