Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different bedding systems on body condition score (BCS) and milk yield in crossbred dairy cows. Twenty-four crossbred cows with six animals in each group at the cattle farm of the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, Pookode was selected for the study, from February 2018 to January 2019 spread over three different seasons such as summer months (Feb-May), monsoon months (June-Sep), and post-monsoon months (Oct-Jan). The control group (T₁) was maintained on concrete floor without any bedding materials. In T₂, rubber mats were provided on concrete floor. In T₃, coir pith, and in T₄, dried solid manure (DSM) on concrete floor were provided as bedding. Results revealed that the BSC of cows reduced to lowest ‘thin’ score, 3.00 ± 0.14 in cows maintained on concrete floor and the improved to ‘fatty’ score with highest mean value, 4.01 ± 0.18 for cows on rubber mat with significant difference (P <0.05). Ideal BCS, with an ‘Average’ score3.32 ± 0.07 and 3.34 ± 0.11, were found in cows reared on coir pith and DSM. The cows maintained on rubber mats and DSM had the mean milk yield of 9.26 ± 0.20 kg and 9.48 ± 0.22 kg, respectively, indicating their superiority over the concrete floor. Thus, the cows reared on coir pith, and DSM had ideal BCS with increased milk yield

Keywords : Crossbred cows, Bedding systems, Body condition score, Milk yield