-
___________ is the number one indicator for cow comfort.
Lying time
-
How do we measure comfort? (4)
stall usage, lying time, lameness/ hock lesions, preference tests
-
Cows that are ___________ are at risk for developing lameness.
not laying down
-
How do we measure stall usage and lying time?
podometers, cameras
-
What are signs of lameness? (7)
head bob, back arch, joint flexion, swinging in/out of hind end, tracking up (does the hind foot land where the front foot was), asymmetric steps/rhythm, improper weight bearing (limping)
-
We determine cow comfort based on ______________.
animal-based measurements
-
What are risk factors for lameness, hock lesions, or low lying time? (6)
stocking density, stall width, bedding dryness, bedding level and type, lunge space, neckrail position
-
Why might a cow lay backwards in a stall?
lying backwards in the stall
-
What happens when you move the neckrail too far forward?
cows stand fully in the stall (as opposed to perching), defecate in the stall —> decreased hygiene, inc mastitis
-
What's the purpose of the neckrail?
to force cows to lay far back enough so they defecate out of the stall into the alley
-
What happens when the neckrail is too far back?
not enough lunge space for cows--> decreased cow comfort
-
__________ are a huge risk factor for hock lesions.
Mattresses
-
What are potential problems with deep-bedded sand stalls?
- sand must be raked daily; if not,...
- sand gets pushed to the sides of the stall and cows are basically laying on the ground
- sand can become compacted and hard, less comfortable
-
How does overstocking affect cow comfort?
- reduces lying time
- overstocked lying stalls--> cows can't lie down
- overstocking feed bunk--> cows stand longer to wait to eat
-
What might be your recommendations for low lying time/ high perching time? (4)
increase stall width/depth, bedding amount, bedding dryness, bunk space
-
What would be your main recommendation for a high number of hock lesions?
deeper bedding
|
|