Slip protection The normal heat behaviour of cows changes significantly in barns with slippery floors. Numerous studies show that the frequency and intensity of showing heat both increase in barns with soft flooring. The studies compared heat behaviour on concrete slatted floors with behaviour on rubber floors. In the case of rubber floors, cows have a much better foothold which means they do not feel uncertain when walking on rubber. The studies also reveal that the cows jump more frequently and slip less in that connection. Finding the problem It is relatively easy to determine the scale of the problem by observing heat behaviour in a herd. You can also note how slippery the floor is by walking on it yourself. Causes By avoiding slippery surfaces, you gain good anti-slip conditions. However, you also need to avoid surfaces that are too abrasive. A rough surface causes excess hoof wear and can lead to leg and knee injuries when cows go down. A good floor • is slip resistant • is clean • has low ammonia evaporation • is economically profitable Action plan Correct grooving provides a good anti-slip surface. If the floor has a thin veneer of manure residue (with or without slates), more work will be required in terms of regular hosing with water or scattering sand. Another option is to add rubber in alleyways. A rubber floor is also beneficial where cows stand for long periods as rubber provides better relief to legs and hooves. A rubber floor is relatively expensive. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons along with the cost price of the various options. Focus areas The floor surface should be slatted or rubber. • Ensure floors stay clean by hosing off manure residues • Ensure adequate drainage so floor is dry Overcrowding and heat stress In cases of overcrowding, opportunities for the cows to fulfil their need to lie down will be affected. Studies show that the behaviour of lower ranking cows is already significantly altered with an occupancy rate of 125%. As a result of a lack of rest, stress levels in the animals increase. The negative effect on reproduction caused by chronic stress is measurable in terms of weaker heat behaviour, increased number of days from calving to first insemination and from calving to pregnancy, increased number of services per pregnancy and less viable embryos. Heat stress in cows results in weaker heat behaviour and more services per pregnancy. Finding the problem A simple count of cubicles and animals / measuring the area available to the animals, will show if the occupancy rate is acceptable. For the new calver and yearling groups, you also need to pay attention if new animals are continuously being added to the group as this will lead to a continuous new hierarchy. In this case, the stress level in the animals will increase unnecessarily. Visible signs of heat stress are changes in the cows behaviour that will manifest themselves as early as temperatures of 22-23 degrees, combined with high humidity > 80-85%. Causes Whether an egg is released from the cow’s ovary and is ready to be fertilised, depends on a combination of various hormones. Stress will disturb the mechanisms that regulate the timing of various stages in hormone related preparation for fertilisation and that affect physical, psychological and physiological stress stimuli (chronic / acute). Heat stress can affect reproduction in two ways. One is a direct result of abnormally high body temperature when secreting the reproduction hormones, the other is an indirect result from reduced feed intake and a prolonged negative energy balance. Action plan With regard to production and welfare, there are many reasons why the occupancy rate should not exceed 100%. Identify the cows that need to go. To reduce the negative effect of heat stress, the cows can be cooled by fans and sprinklers. In addition, offer them high quality roughage to improve their appetite. Focus areas • One cubicle per animal / sufficient space in group pens • Layout of beds + alleyways allowing free access by cows and heifers to beds, fodder board and water. • Adding new animals to the groups of new calvers and yearlings • Reduce heat stress 5
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