Effects of Different Bedding Material on Production and Welfare of Dairy Cows During the Autumn Season

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of bedding material on the production and welfare of crossbred cows in autumn season (September to December). Sixteen crossbred lactating cows, randomly selected and divided into two groups with eight animals in each group on the basis of parity and milk yield. Cows in the control group were housed on conventional concrete flooring in the covered area and brick-paved flooring in the open paddock. In contrast, cows in the treatment group were maintained on sand bedding in both covered and open paddock. The experimental design enabled a comparative assessment of the influence of bedding material on animal production and welfare under similar management conditions. The analysis indicated that dry matter intake and milk yield were significantly (P