Small dimensions of cabins and corridors and uncomfortable or slippery surfaces in waiting rooms, corridors and side corridors are the most important reasons The main negative indicators of animal welfare It was observed in dairy cattle farms in Lugo Province, according to the results of the doctoral thesis “Animal welfare in dairy cattle farms in Lugo Province and its implications for production”, submitted by Sonia Verdes Gil At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Terra Campus of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC).
Doctoral research conducted by a professor of veterinary medicine, under the supervision of professors at the University of Southern California Pedro Garcia Hiradon And Luis QuintelaHe points out that these deficiencies negatively affect animals, as they can cause them Hygiene and health problemswhile A Negative impact on productivity And in the reproductive cycles of cows, and thus in the profitability of dairy farms.
The thesis developed by Verdis Gil evaluates Weaknesses and strengths of livestock farms in Lugo Province In terms of animal welfare, trying to determine the effects of less comfortable facilities and incorrect livestock management on the animals. For this study, Chiriga’s veterinarian collected a large number of data on facilities, management, animal health, reproductive capacity and productivity on nearly 200 farms.
Most of the farms evaluated show favorable conditions Both in animal management and in facility maintenance, says Verdes, who also points out aspects that could be improved in terms of design and materials used in its construction. The results achieved in this research work also highlight the need to develop a biosafety plan that takes into account all potential risks and identifies disease prevention strategies. The researcher explains that one of the main aspects that must be taken into account is the introduction of new animals, because they can carry diseases acquired on the original farm, in markets, or during transportation. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to have a quarantine pen to prevent the spread of potential pathogens.
In quantitatively assessing the level of comfort derived from facilities and management, the research found a difference of 33 points between properties with the best and worst characteristics. The farms that received the best scores are distinguished by the quality of bedding materials and optimal maintenance and cleaning, which translates into cleaner animals and better production and reproduction rates. Conversely, poor quality farms produce cows with poor hoof and udder hygiene, a lower heat detection rate, and lower milk production. next to, Research links cleaning rest areas and trails to a lower incidence of hoof disease and mastitis in cowsWhile the small dimensions of the booths and aisles and the high population density are due to the high incidence of lameness, a type of injury suffered by 19.3% of cows on the farms included in the study.
Dissertations and Qualifications Court
Mª Lydia Gil Huerta, Professor of the Department of Animal Diseases at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Zaragoza, chaired the committee responsible for the evaluation of the doctoral thesis submitted by Sonia Verdes Gil. Commercial Director of ABS Spain – Genus PLC, Juan Manuel Caenzos Cajiaoprofessor at the University of Southern California College of Veterinary Medicine, Rodrigo Moinho OteroThe doctoral research was completed by a committee that awarded the highest distinction with honors
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