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Bedding system influences lying behaviour in dairy cows
Katharine A Leach1, Gemma L Charlton2, Martin J Green3
1Quality Milk Management Services Ltd., Somerset, UK.
The Veterinary Record
|November 21, 2021
Summary
Recycled manure solids (RMS) bedding reduced cow lying time compared to sawdust. Deeper bedding did not always increase lying duration, suggesting RMS may be less attractive for cow comfort.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Husbandry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cow comfort and lying behavior are significantly influenced by bedding type and depth.
- Recycled manure solids (RMS) are increasingly used as bedding, necessitating an understanding of their impact on cows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of recycled manure solids (RMS) bedding on dairy cow lying behavior.
- To compare lying behavior on RMS bedding versus traditional bedding materials like sand and sawdust.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of 40 cows were monitored using leg-mounted accelerometers.
- Cows experienced four bedding systems (deep sand, deep RMS, sawdust on mattresses, RMS on mattresses) for two 2-week periods each.
Main Results:
- Total daily lying times were significantly shorter on RMS bedding compared to sawdust.
- The number of lying bouts per day was higher on sawdust than other treatments.
- Lying bouts were longer on deep RMS (2.6 min) and sand (9.3 min) compared to sawdust.
Conclusions:
- Increased bedding depth and softness do not guarantee longer lying times.
- Recycled manure solids (RMS) may possess qualities that make them less appealing for cow bedding.
- The relationship between bedding systems, lying bout characteristics, and total lying time is complex.
