Influence of cattle rearing conditions on health, reproduction, growth, milk yield and meat and milk quality

Abstract

The paper describes the effects of different rearing conditions as possible stressors on health, reproduction, growth, milk yield and quality of meat and milk. It was pointed out that numerous internal and external factors of cattle affect the physiological processes, health, reproduction, growth, milk yield and quality of milk and meat as very strong stressors. They are especially important when acting immediately after parturition, i.e. in the puerperium in cows and immediately after birth in calves. In intensive cattle production, the most important complex stressors regardless of origin, and physiological conditions in which these animals are more susceptible to distress are parturition, calf birth, puerperium, intensive lactation, machine milking, oestrus, high pregnancy, dry period, grouping of animals, disturbed social relations, dehorning, castration, hoof trimming, transport, sudden changes in microclimatic conditions and feed quality, etc. Excessive disturbances before slaughtering cattle also cause a strong stress reaction. In modern housing systems, animal disturbance, immobilization of animals, restriction of movement, significant reduction of living space, strong painful stimuli, dystocia, pain during uterine prolapse, castration and acute inflammatory processes in the udder and uterus are also strong stressors. Unfavourable social relations between animals in the group are usually very strong stressors that lead to disturbances of their behavioural patterns. As a consequence of the action of numerous stressors, behavioural disorders, reduction of growth and milk production, the occurrence of metabolic and reproductive disorders, the occurrence of infectious diseases, reduction of meat and milk quality most often occur.