Effect of farm size on dairy farm feeding welfare scores in Karnataka

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare the influence of farm size on dairy farm feeding welfare scores in Karnataka, India. A total of 401 adult crossbred cattle in 60 dairy farms of Karnataka were considered. The farms were grouped into three different categories based on adult herd size i.e., small, medium and large as per the prevailing dairy cattle holding in the region. The mean scores of the welfare indicator ‘Availability of quality feeds and fodder’ and ‘Feeding practices for different categories of animals’ in small, medium and large dairy farms, out of total score of 10 each, was 5.78 ± 0.077, 5.93 ± 0.041 and 6.10 ± 0.118, and 4.65 ± 0.109, 4.90 ± 0.143 and 5.28 ± 0.106, respectively. The mean scores of the welfare indicator ‘Availability of feeds and fodder storage/preservation space’ and ‘Colostrum and milk feeding to calves’ in small, medium and large dairy farms, out of total score of 5 each, was 3.13 ± 0.114, 3.28 ± 0.106 and 3.53 ± 0.117, and 4.68 ± 0.055, 4.70 ± 0.056 and 4.63 ± 0.080, respectively. The mean welfare score of small, medium and large dairy farms, out of total score of 30, was 18.28 ± 0.213, 18.80 ± 0.197 and 19.53 ± 0.234, respectively, with an overall welfare score of 18.85 ± 0.140. Large dairy farms had significantly better welfare scores.