lechera Evaluation of the state of animal welfare in cows in dairy production.

Abstract

Animal welfare is a fundamental aspect of the management and care of dairy cows. To evaluate the state of animal welfare in cows on dairy farms in Trinidad-Casarabe, Beni, Bolivia, 164 cows were observed in dairy production during the months of June and July (2021). The methodology for the study was based on the observation of animal well-being, considering their nutritional status, health, and behavior. The results revealed that BA standards were breached by 84.1%. Body condition was low, at 40.9%. 75.0% of the cows presented with subclinical mastitis. 7.9% had grade 1 lameness. Hygiene indicators before milking showed a degree of dirt of 76.2% on hooves and 14.0% on flanks and udder. 9.7% presented skin lesions or alopecia. The leak zone was less than one meter in 95.7%, and behavior during milking was normal in 92.7%. Concluding, that the welfare state of cows from dairy farms studied does not meet the animal welfare standards recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health, showing deficient indicators in animal health, nutritional management, and hygiene during milking, highlighting an adequate human-animal relationship.