Animal welfare in dairy cattle: Review

Abstract

The breeding system exerts great influence on dairy activity and the use of animal welfare in milk production provides positive results in productivity. Knowledge of the effects on well-being from diseases, trauma, hunger, beneficial stimuli, social interactions, housing conditions, inadequate management, transportation, mutilation, veterinary treatment or genetic alterations is essential. There are several types of breeding system for calves, but the main risk factors (temperature, solar radiation, humidity, ventilation and overcrowding of the facilities) should be considered. The facilities need to protect the calves against high winds and high humidity; they should ensure comfort allowing the animal to express its full genetic potential. The neonatal period (up to 28 days of age) accounts for 75% of the losses in the first year of life. In order to avoid losses, it is essential to pay special attention to the health and development of future mothers. The objective of this review is to describe the importance of knowledge about animal welfare. Report behaviors, because it is through behavioral patterns that animals try to adapt to the influence of stressors. To present the systems of suckling and the different breeding systems for calves.