dc.description.abstract | The quality of farm animal welfare largely depends on a number
of measures and procedures carried out on farms, which are defined by one name
as biosecurity. The application of certain management practices differs from farm
to farm, and accordingly their impact on the quality of animal welfare differs. The
quality of biosecurity, welfare and the presence of factors that threaten them
depend on the technology of production on the farm, animal husbandry systems,
microclimatic and hygienic conditions, management, procedures performed on
animals and the way they are performed, the attitude of employees towards
animals, their training and competence, etc.The aim of this study was to determine
the impact of intensive calf rearing on differences in biosecurity and welfare
quality assessment on two dairy farms. The technological process of production on
both farms is similar, since both farms operate within the same production system.
On both farms, there is a nursery in a separate facility, but without individual
calving boxes. Calves are separated from their mothers immediately after birth.
One of the significant differences between the farms was the way the calves were
kept in the first 7 days of life. On one of the farms (A) the calves were kept tied in
the nursery, while on the other farm (B) they were housed in individual boxes, also
located within the nursery. At 8 days of age, calves were placed in group boxes, in
a special facility, rearing stable.
The greatest weaknesses and threats to biosecurity and welfare on both farms were
manifested at the earliest age of calves, and they relate to the accommodation and
feeding of newborn calves with colostrum. Determined that newborn calves were
kept tie-stall housing system or in dimly lit individual boxes of inadequate size and
design, housed in the nursery together with the cows. This increased the calf's
exposure to a number of pathogens. The risk to biosecurity and welfare is higher
when inadequate colostrum consumption is taken into account in terms of quantity,
manner and time of feeding. When it comes to calves of older categories, the
situation was significantly more favourable in terms of nutrition and housing
conditions, as well as health surveillance and provided great opportunities in terms
of further improvement. | sr |