Animal Welfare and feeding management practices in dairy cattle farms

Abstract

Parameters related with the animal welfare in Northwestern Spain dairies (first chapter – Study 1) and, feeding management practices in California dairies (second and third chapter – Study 2). The aim of both studies will be focus on finding opportunities to improve. First study will be an on-farm assessment in 73 Lugo dairies ranging in size 20 – 244 cows. Measurements will be collected only once on every dairy around the time of the first milking (7 to 9 am) by the same assessor. The assessment for each dairy is composed of three sections: Observation and evaluation of the animals in the feed alley; Evaluation, measuring and rating of facilities by maintenance status; Interviewing of dairy producer (survey) about management practices of facilities and herd including cleaning practices, preventive treatment programs and outdoor access; Parameters in relation to the loading errors; Parameters in relation to the preparation and feeding times.