Effects of Rubber Mat Flooring on Hygiene, Locomotion, Hock and Knee Injury in Crossbred Cows
Excerpt from the International Journal of Livestock Research, K. H. Sadharakiya1, L. M. Sorathiya2*, A. P. Raval2, G. P. Sabapara3 and P.C.Patel1 Department of LPM, Vanbandhu College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, INDIA
The present study was conducted on 18 lactating crossbred cows by dividing them into two homogeneous groups randomly. The cows of treatment group were kept in shed having rubber mat flooring, whereas the cows of control were kept on concrete floor. The objective was to study the effect of rubber mat flooring on hygiene, locomotion, hock and knee injury scoring. Cleanliness, locomotion and hock and knee injury scoring were done by standard methods at fortnight interval by two researchers by assigning 1-4 scores. Result revealed that overall locomotion score on rubber mat (1.33±0.07) was significantly lower (p<0.01) than cows on concrete floor (1.70±0.10). Mean overall hygiene score for the cow kept in rubber mat was 1.66±0.09 and 2.00±0.08 in cows kept on concrete floor, whereas the overall hock and knee injury score in cows on rubber mat and concrete floor was 1.21±0.04 and 1.90±0.05, respectively. The hygiene scoring and hock and knee injury scoring between both groups was also significant (p<0.01). Experimental findings suggested that rubber mat may reduce lameness problem. Chances of hock and knee injury can be reduced and welfare can be improved in crossbred cows by using rubber mats.
Recycling Old Tires In Quebec
Since 1993, the government has implemented several programs to promote the recovery, recycling, and reuse of end-of-life tires in Quebec. Today, this industry is well established throughout the province.
The Quebec Used Tire Management Program manages the used tires generated annually and supports the Quebec tire recycling industry in order to maintain jobs and ensure a sufficient and constant supply of used tires.
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While grass is the best support surface for cattle, in many places it cannot be used, particularly when climate conditions are too harsh for grass to grow or be maintained or in housing systems that do not support access to a grass surface. In such circumstances, what other types of surfaces can be used and what role do they have in either promoting or preventing lameness?
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