Study of Cows' Behaviour and Welfare on Dairy Farms in Serbia

Abstract

Modern methods for assessing the welfare of dairy cows are, among other things, often based on the evaluation of animal behaviour. In this regard, behaviour is classified as the most reliable, so‑called animal‑based indicator as its expression comes from the animal itself and indicates a measure in which it has adapted to the environment. Starting from the need to explore the state of welfare and the ability to demonstrate adequate behaviour in dairy farms in Serbia, the Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol for Cattle (2009) was used in this study. The overall assessment of behaviour was carried out by analysing four main criteria: social, other forms of behaviour, human‑animal relationship and emotional state. The results of the study conducted on a total of 16 dairy farms (N = 4,833 cows) show that the conditions for ensuring appropriate behaviour meet only minimum standards and that the greatest welfare risks arise from the impossibility of expressing natural behaviour, such as exploratory behaviour. The most pronounced negative tendencies within the assessment of the emotional status were those expressed to distress, frustration and boredom. Although the estimated general condition does not differ substantially from the same on EU farms, the need for its improvement is imposed first of all in terms of ensuring greater freedom of movement and more stimulating environment in cattle rearing.

Animal welfare assessment based on Welfare Quality® criteria in a dairy farm in Turkey

“…The ease and rapidity of scoring and high intra-and inter-observer repeatability make BCS a widely used herd management tool in bovine practice and scientific research (17). The mean BCS of the breeds (Holstein, Brown Swiss and Simmental) included in the present study was higher than the values previously reported for herds raised in Macedonia, Romania and Serbia, and was close to the value reported for cattle herds raised in Croatia, and revealed that, the criterion 'absence of hunger' was observed at the farm (18)(19)(20)(21). With regard to water supply, the conditions of the assessed farm complied with the minimum standards suggested by the protocol, and the assessment results of the present study showed similarity to those determined in Macedonia and some other countries (1 drinker per 13 animals and 10 l/min) (18)(19)(20)22).…”

“…Since the animals were not tethered, it was observed that the bedding material of the parlor, and the resting and walking areas inside and outside the barn were clean and hygienic. In previous research, compared to the present study, higher cleanliness scores and better sanitation were detected in Serbia, Croatia, Romania and the Republic of Macedonia, whereas lower cleanliness scores and poor sanitation were detected in another study performed by the Wye Dairy Research Institute in the United Kingdom (UK) (3,5,6,18,19,22,23).…”

“…Although no clinical symptoms indicative of hampered respiration was observed, few animals presented with nasal and ocular discharge, which was considered to be indicative of possible upper respiratory infection. Nevertheless, these results pointed out to better health conditions compared to those detected in nearby countries and demonstrated that that the implementation of strict biosecurity codes and the provision of well-organized health services would reduce the incidence of illnesses (18,20,24).…”

Genomic Insights into Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci and Mammaliicocci from Bulk Tank Milk of Dairy Farms in Serbia

“…The selected farms were representative of the Serbian dairy sector, since the vast majority (99.95%) of national agricultural holdings (AHs) specialized in milk production are family-run [38]. In addition, the analyzed farms were characterized by the tie-stall housing system and domestic Simmental dairy breed, which are also prevalent at the national level [39,40].…”