Relationship between quality of facilities, animal-based welfare indicators and measures of reproductive and productive performances on dairy farms in the northwest of Spain

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of facility comfort level on animal-based welfare indicators as well as on productive and reproductive parameters of 187 dairy farms in the northwest of Spain. Fifty-eight facility-based parameters, which included both housing facilities and management parameters, were evaluated in each farm and used to classify the 187 farms in 5 groups (from 1: top farms to 5: worst farms). Animal-based welfare indicators and reproductive and productive parameters were compared among farm groups. Lameness score significantly differed (p < .005) in top farms (67% of cows having normal gait) versus groups 4 (55%) and 5 (53%). The proportion of cows with dirty lower legs and udder was lower (p < .05) in top farms (80% and 31%, respectively) than in groups 4 (92% and 51%) and 5 (95% and 56%). Other animal-based indicators were not different among farm groups. Heat detection rate was higher (p < .001) in top farms (56.5%) versus groups 4 (51%) and 5 (47%), and milk production/cow/day was also significantly higher (p < .001) in top farms (34.4 L) versus groups 3 (31.2 L), 4 (30.5 L) and 5 (27.4 L). Other reproductive or productive parameters were not different among farm groups. Facility-based measures were compared only between the top and worst farms. In top farms, most facility-based parameters met the welfare-related objectives, whereas in the worst farms only a few facility-based parameters met the welfare objectives.HighlightsFifty-eight facility-based parameters, including housing measures and some management practices, were evaluated and scored in 187 dairy farms.Top-performing farms (i.e. with the best scores) had lower incidence of lameness and of cows with dirty legs and udder than poor-performing farms.Top-performing farms had higher rates of heat detection and higher milk production/cow/day than poor-performing farms.