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Welfare in Danish Dairy Herds 2. Housing Systems and Grazing Procedures in 1983 and 1994

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica volume 37, pages 65–77 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper presents the second part of a questionnaire survey carried out in 2148 Danish dairy herds during 1994, as well as results from a similar survey carried out in 1983. The welfare status and trends during the 11 year period are discussed with respect to cattle housing systems and grazing procedures. Generally speaking, the results show that Danish dairy farmers in 1994 followed the common recommendations, i.e. 1) there are partitions between stalls in almost all tie stall houses, 2) feeding cubicles are seldomly seen in cubicle houses, 3) bedding is provided for most cows, 4) saw dust as bedding for cows is not commonly used, and 5) the majority of cows and heifers are pastured during summer. However, adjustments in the following areas would be appropriate: 1) tie systems which restrict the cow’s natural rising and lying should be phased out, and 2) loose housed heifers in boxes should have access to a bedded resting area.

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Acknowledgments

The authors want to thank Christina Ejlersen, Annelise Ito, and Lartey Lawson for excellent technical assistance. Mette Vaarst, Thomas Færgeman, and Jens Yde Blom are acknowledged for instructive comments to the manuscript. Finally, the Danish Agricultural Advisory Center is acknowledged for their cooperation in the project. The project was financed by the Danish Ministry of Agriculture, grant no. VEL92-KVL-8.

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  1. Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, Division of Ethology and Health, The Royal Veterinary & Agricultural University, Bülowsvej 13, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    L. Alban & J.F. Agger

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  1. L. Alban
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  2. J.F. Agger
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Correspondence to J.F. Agger.

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Alban, L., Agger, J. Welfare in Danish Dairy Herds 2. Housing Systems and Grazing Procedures in 1983 and 1994. Acta Vet Scand 37, 65–77 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03548120

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Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

ISSN: 1751-0147