Influence of farm location on dairy farm feeding welfare scores in Karnataka

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare the status of cattle welfare in dairy farms of different regions in Karnataka, India. A total of 401 adult crossbred cattle in 60 dairy cattle farms, 30 from the peri-urban region of Bengaluru Rural district and 30 from rural region of Kolar district of Karnataka were considered for the present study. The mean scores of the welfare indicator ‘Availability of quality feeds and fodder’ in peri-urban and rural regions, out of total score of 10, was 5.93 ± 0.057 and 5.93 ± 0.086, respectively. Peri-urban regions had better welfare scores for the indicator ‘Feeding practices for different categories of animals’ with 5.17 ± 0.108 out of 10, as compared to 4.72 ± 0.092 in rural regions. The mean scores of the welfare indicator ‘Availability of feeds and fodder storage/preservation space’ in peri-urban and rural regions, out of total score of 5, was 3.28 ± 0.101 and 3.33 ± 0.091, respectively. The mean scores of the welfare indicator ‘Colostrum and milk feeding to calves’ in peri-urban and rural regions, out of total score of 5, was 4.65 ± 0.059 and 4.68 ± 0.045, respectively; with no significant differences between groups. The overall mean welfare score of feeding component in peri-urban and rural dairy farms, out of total score of 30, was 19.03 ± 0.182 and 18.67 ± 0.670, respectively, with no significant differences.