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Keywords = free-stall barn

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20 pages, 4155 KiB  
Article
Green Wall System to Reduce Particulate Matter in Livestock Housing: Case Study of a Dairy Barn
by Alice Finocchiaro, Serena Vitaliano, Grazia Cinardi, Provvidenza Rita D’Urso, Stefano Cascone and Claudia Arcidiacono
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132280 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
Livestock farming has been identified as a significant contributor to atmospheric pollution, underscoring the necessity for the design and management of housing systems to adopt mitigation strategies. In the context of civil engineering, green wall systems are proving to be effective solutions for [...] Read more.
Livestock farming has been identified as a significant contributor to atmospheric pollution, underscoring the necessity for the design and management of housing systems to adopt mitigation strategies. In the context of civil engineering, green wall systems are proving to be effective solutions for air filtration and purification. Nevertheless, research related to their application in livestock buildings is limited. This study focuses on the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of a modular, mobile green wall system that has been specifically developed to test PM2.5 concentrations’ reduction in naturally ventilated, free-stall dairy barns in the Mediterranean region. To this end, PM2.5 concentrations and climatic parameters have been measured before and after the application of the green wall system. Based on one-way analysis of variance, PM2.5 concentrations after the application were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those before the mitigation strategy. The results of this study showed that the overall efficacy of the green wall reached 44%. The implementation of green wall systems offers a promising strategy to improve air quality in livestock facilities and to design aesthetically pleasing barns with a positive impact on the surrounding landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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25 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
Replacing Soybean Meal with Hemp Leaves with Very Low THC Content in the Diet for Dairy Cows: Impact on Digestibility, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Energy Metabolism
by Jessica Schwerdtfeger, Solvig Görs and Björn Kuhla
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111662 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 500
Abstract
The aim was to investigate the suitability of Santhica 27 industrial hemp leaves as a protein source in dairy cow nutrition. Twelve Holstein dairy cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.4% industrial hemp leaves (HEMP) and a TMR containing 3.5% soya [...] Read more.
The aim was to investigate the suitability of Santhica 27 industrial hemp leaves as a protein source in dairy cow nutrition. Twelve Holstein dairy cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.4% industrial hemp leaves (HEMP) and a TMR containing 3.5% soya extraction meal (CON) in a crossover design. Cows were kept in a free-stall barn for 2 weeks to measure feed intake, milk yield and sample plasma, ruminal fluid, and urine. In week 3, cows were housed in a respiration chamber to measure gas exchange, urine, and feces excretions. In the first two weeks, cows of the HEMP group rested longer but spent less time ruminating. Feeding the HEMP diet reduced dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and urinary N-metabolite concentrations and tended to lower total N-excretion, milk fat, and lactose concentrations. During the stay in the respiration chamber, DMI, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and crude protein degradability were similar between groups, but feeding the HEMP diet tended to reduce methane yield. In conclusion, Santhica 27 hemp leaves are a suitable protein source for dairy cows as they have no negative effects on animal health, apparent digestibility, and crude protein degradability. Nevertheless, inadequate adaptation to the diet reduces feed intake and milk yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Protein Sources for Animal Feeds)
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17 pages, 1704 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Compost-Bedded Pack Barns on Claw Health and Lameness in Dairy Herds in Southern Germany
by Phillip Andreas Guhl, Adrian Steiner, Lisa Bachmann and Maike Heppelmann
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091347 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 872
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine claw health and lameness prevalence in cows housed in CBPs in southern Germany. Eight farms that housed their dairy cows in CBPs were visited for data collection once in the warm season and once in [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine claw health and lameness prevalence in cows housed in CBPs in southern Germany. Eight farms that housed their dairy cows in CBPs were visited for data collection once in the warm season and once in the cold season between January and December 2023. The first visit was during hoof trimming of the herd to identify claw disorders, score lameness, and assess the bedded pack resting area. Lameness was scored again and the bedded pack resting area assessed at the second visit. To compare claw health at cow and farm levels, a cow claw score (CCS) and a farm claw score (FCS) were calculated using geometric severity scores. The prevalence of lameness at cow level was 9.4% in the cold season and 11.1% in the warm season, which were lower than values reported in studies that investigated cubicle free-stall barns. The low prevalences of lameness and claw disorders were reflected in a CCS of 8 and FCS of 9, which are defined as excellent. Based on our results, CBPs are associated with low lameness prevalence and favourable claw health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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17 pages, 3010 KiB  
Article
How Do We Recognize the Effects of Dairy Cattle Activity in the Lying Area? A Case Study in Free-Stall Barns
by Marek Gaworski
Animals 2025, 15(6), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060880 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Dairy cattle kept in barns with a free-stall system have contact with the structural elements of the stalls in the lying area. As a result of the cattle entering the lying stall, lying down, and standing up, shiny surfaces appear on the neck [...] Read more.
Dairy cattle kept in barns with a free-stall system have contact with the structural elements of the stalls in the lying area. As a result of the cattle entering the lying stall, lying down, and standing up, shiny surfaces appear on the neck rails and partitions. These shiny surfaces can be a source of information about the activity of the animals in the lying stalls over a long period of time. This case study aimed to assess the diversity of shiny spots on the neck rails and partitions in the lying area of barns with a free-stall system. The length of the shiny surfaces and their locations on the neck rails and partitions were measured in three barns (on one dairy farm) containing a total of 512 lying stalls. The differences in the lengths of the shiny surfaces on the left and right partitions were assessed, and their locations on the partitions and neck rail were compared. Identifying the interactions between animals and metal elements of the lying stalls could contribute to improving the welfare of dairy cattle. Full article
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16 pages, 2397 KiB  
Article
Validating Ultra-Wideband Positioning System for Precision Cow Tracking in a Commercial Free-Stall Barn
by Ágnes Moravcsíková, Zuzana Vyskočilová, Pavel Šustr and Jitka Bartošová
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3307; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223307 - 17 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
UWB positioning systems offer innovative solutions for precision monitoring dairy cow behaviour and social dynamics, yet their performance in complex commercial barn environments requires thorough validation. This study evaluated the TrackLab 2.13 (Noldus) UWB system in a dairy barn housing 44–49 cows. We [...] Read more.
UWB positioning systems offer innovative solutions for precision monitoring dairy cow behaviour and social dynamics, yet their performance in complex commercial barn environments requires thorough validation. This study evaluated the TrackLab 2.13 (Noldus) UWB system in a dairy barn housing 44–49 cows. We assessed stationary tag positioning using ten fixed tags over seven days, proximity detection between eight cows and ten stationary tags, and moving tag positioning using three tags on a stick to simulate cow movement. System performance varied by tag location, with reliability ranging from 4.09% to 96.73% and an overall mean accuracy of 0.126 ± 0.278 m for stationary tags. After the provider updated the software, only 0.62% of measures exceeded the declared accuracy of 0.30 m. Proximity detection between moving cows and stationary tags showed 81.42% accuracy within a 2-m range. While generally meeting specifications, spatial variations in accuracy and reliability were observed, particularly near barn perimeters. These findings highlight UWB technology’s potential for precision livestock farming, welfare assessment, and behaviour research, including social interactions and space use patterns. Results emphasise the need for careful system setup, regular updates, and context-aware data interpretation in commercial settings to maximise benefits in animal welfare monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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16 pages, 612 KiB  
Article
From Naturalness to Environmental Control: Influences of Transitioning Production Systems on Dairy Farmers’ Perceptions of Cow Welfare
by Letícia Bicudo Nogueira and Maria José Hötzel
Animals 2024, 14(21), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213063 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1434
Abstract
We conducted semi structured in-person interviews with 36 dairy farmers in a dairy producing region in southern Brazil undergoing intensification. Thematic analysis revealed that farmers’ perceptions of cow welfare were closely tied to their production environment. Farmers in pasture-based systems emphasized the importance [...] Read more.
We conducted semi structured in-person interviews with 36 dairy farmers in a dairy producing region in southern Brazil undergoing intensification. Thematic analysis revealed that farmers’ perceptions of cow welfare were closely tied to their production environment. Farmers in pasture-based systems emphasized the importance of outdoor access and grazing, associating these with the cows’ intrinsic needs and longevity. Conversely, farmers operating confined systems, or those with positive attitudes towards transitioning to confinement, linked cow welfare to practices that aim at minimizing environmental stressors, enhancing comfort, and boosting productivity. Despite these differing views, empathetic concerns towards the cows were evident in both groups and influenced decisions such as improving farm infrastructure or using anesthetics in invasive procedures. However, the transition to confined systems was associated with a more instrumental view of animals, as seen in the abandonment of naming cows and in a greater focus on productive performance. All things considered, this study suggests that working structures may influence farmers’ perceptions of animal care, indicating that farm animal welfare likely depends not only on farmers’ attitudes but also on global and local policies that shape agricultural practices through incentives and constraints. Full article
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22 pages, 3114 KiB  
Systematic Review
Health and Thermal Comfort of Dairy Cattle in Compost-Bedded Pack Barns and Other Types of Housing: A Comparative Systematic Review
by Carlos Eduardo Alves Oliveira, Ilda de Fátima Ferreira Tinôco, Fernanda Campos de Sousa, Fernando da Costa Baêta, Frederico Márcio Côrrea Vieira and Matteo Barbari
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1395-1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020080 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose [...] Read more.
This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose Housing (LH) systems. Searches for peer-reviewed experimental articles in English were performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Forty-three non-duplicated scientific articles were obtained and subjected to a four-stage evaluation process, according to the PRISMA methodology and predefined eligibility criteria. This process resulted in the selection of 13 articles for inclusion. Regarding animal health, the results provide evidence that the incidence of problems such as lameness, limb injuries, and reproductive disorders is lower in CBP systems. However, if bedding management is not effective in ensuring the provision of dry and comfortable surfaces, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC) and prevalence of mastitis incidence (PMI) may occur. For thermal comfort, it was found that the CBP system exhibited higher temperatures during summer and lower temperatures during winter when compared to FS with cross-ventilation in association with evaporative cooling. However, no differences were observed in terms of thermal comfort in spring and autumn. As this is a recent research area, caution should be exercised when extrapolating the results, considering the specificities of each cited study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Livestock Farming Technology)
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12 pages, 496 KiB  
Article
Some Welfare Assessment Traits and Quantitative-Qualitative Milk Parameters as Affected by Supplementary Feeding at Milking and Parity in Anatolian Buffalo Cows
by Ahmet Akdağ, İbrahim Cihangir Okuyucu, Hüseyin Erdem, Ertuğrul Kul and Nuh Ocak
Animals 2024, 14(6), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060956 - 19 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1556
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate whether supplemental feeding at milking (SFAM) positively influences the quantitative−qualitative milk parameters due to improving some welfare assessment traits of multiparous Anatolian buffalo cows confined in semi-open free-stall barns. A total of 76 Anatolian buffalo cows at approximately [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate whether supplemental feeding at milking (SFAM) positively influences the quantitative−qualitative milk parameters due to improving some welfare assessment traits of multiparous Anatolian buffalo cows confined in semi-open free-stall barns. A total of 76 Anatolian buffalo cows at approximately 90 days in milk were selected to encompass four groups (OSF-2nd, NSF-2nd, OSF-≥3rd and NSF-≥3rd), considering offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking and the parity (2nd) and (≥3rd). Data of evaluated variables such as the following ones—(i) subjectively scored welfare assessment traits (temperament, udder hygiene and body condition), (ii) milk yield per milking (MYM), (iii) milk components, and (iv) milk physical traits—were analysed using a linear mixed model and principal component (PC) analysis. The OSF improved the temperament, udder hygiene and body condition scores compared to the NSF. The MYM, the fat content and the fat-to-protein ratio of the OSF were higher than those of the NSF, but milk mineral and electrical conductivity of the OSF were lower than those of the NSF. The parity of cows did not affect the evaluated variables. Four parameters (milk density value and lactose, solids-not-fat and protein contents) could be identified in the PC2 versus PC1 plot. In conclusion, the SFAM enhanced the milk yield and qualitative milk parameters due to improving the welfare status of indoor buffalo cows, regardless of parity. Full article
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12 pages, 1538 KiB  
Article
Effect of Calving Season on Productive Performance of Dairy Cows
by Martin Stojnov, Toncho Penev, Dimo Dimov and Ivaylo Marinov
Dairy 2024, 5(1), 217-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy5010018 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2488
Abstract
The aim of the present research was to study the influence of the calving season in conditions of the upcoming climate changes on the productive traits of dairy cows in Bulgaria. The study was conducted on a cattle farm with a capacity of [...] Read more.
The aim of the present research was to study the influence of the calving season in conditions of the upcoming climate changes on the productive traits of dairy cows in Bulgaria. The study was conducted on a cattle farm with a capacity of 500 dairy cows, which were loose-housed in open free-stall barns (shed-type). In the research, 286 lactations of 199 Holstein cattle from the studied farm were included. The cows with the highest average milk yield for lactation—8522.2 kg—calved in the spring, while the cows with the lowest milk yield—8082.7 kg—calved in the summer. Cows that calved in the spring had the highest maximum daily milk yield (lactation peak)—38 kg—whereas cows that calved in the summer had the lowest—35.7 kg. Regarding the composition indicators of milk, fat, and protein content, no significant effect of the calving season was found, but there was a tendency for the lowest values for the percentage of fat in milk to be reported for cows that calved in the summer—3.68%—and the highest for those calved in the spring—3.71%. Regarding the percentage of protein in the milk, the lowest values were observed for cows that calved in autumn—3.19%—and the highest for cows that calved in summer—3.27%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dairy Animal Nutrition and Welfare)
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8 pages, 4326 KiB  
Communication
Smart Dairy Farming—The Potential of the Automatic Monitoring of Dairy Cows’ Behaviour Using a 360-Degree Camera
by Friederike Kurras and Martina Jakob
Animals 2024, 14(4), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040640 - 16 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2913
Abstract
The aim of this study is to show the potential of a vision-based system using a single 360° camera to describe the dairy cows’ behaviour in a free-stall barn with an automatic milking system. A total of 2299 snapshots were manually evaluated, counting [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to show the potential of a vision-based system using a single 360° camera to describe the dairy cows’ behaviour in a free-stall barn with an automatic milking system. A total of 2299 snapshots were manually evaluated, counting the number of animals that were lying, standing and eating. The average capture rate of animals in the picture is 93.1% (counted animals/actual numbers of animals). In addition to determining the daily lying, standing and eating times, it is also possible to allocate animals to the individual functional areas so that anomalies such as prolonged standing in the cubicle or lying in the walkway can be detected at an early stage. When establishing a camera monitoring system in the future, attention should be paid to sufficient resolution of the camera during the night as well as the reduction of the concealment problem by animals and barn equipment. The automatic monitoring of animal behaviour with the help of 360° cameras can be a promising innovation in the dairy barn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)
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16 pages, 526 KiB  
Article
Pasture Access Effects on the Welfare of Dairy Cows Housed in Free-Stall Barns
by Anamaria Blaga Petrean, Sorana Daina, Mihai Borzan, Adrian M. Macri, Liviu Bogdan, Eva A. Lazar and Silvana Popescu
Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020179 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3195
Abstract
Despite considerable research regarding the benefits of natural living conditions on several aspects of the health and well-being of dairy cows, the effects of pasture access on their overall welfare are less studied. In this comparative study, the Welfare Quality® protocol was [...] Read more.
Despite considerable research regarding the benefits of natural living conditions on several aspects of the health and well-being of dairy cows, the effects of pasture access on their overall welfare are less studied. In this comparative study, the Welfare Quality® protocol was applied in 22 zero-grazing and 17 grazing access farms with an ulterior statistical exploration of the differences found. Moreover, correlations were calculated between pasture access and animal-based welfare measures. Aside from the multiple benefits of pasturing identified within the welfare measures, criteria, and principles, in the overall classification, the farms with permanent confinement ranked lower than the grazing farms. Although both systems used free-stall barns, allowing the cows’ movement, the grazing animals showed improved overall welfare. Yet, the origin-related adaptation of the animals could play a role. The authors recommend research-based tailoring whenever these conditions are intended to be transposed in technology, especially in intensive systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions: Series II)
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11 pages, 999 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Features of Postpartum Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Herds in Hokkaido, Japan
by Kyoko Chisato, Takerou Yamazaki, Shuji Kayasaki, Rika Fukumori and Shin Oikawa
Animals 2024, 14(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010144 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
This study was carried out as an observational study in order to determine the prevalence of postpartum subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy herds in Hokkaido, Japan. From April 2012 to March 2014, blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration was measured once within 3–88 days in [...] Read more.
This study was carried out as an observational study in order to determine the prevalence of postpartum subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy herds in Hokkaido, Japan. From April 2012 to March 2014, blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration was measured once within 3–88 days in milk (DIM) in 1394 apparently healthy cows from 108 farms to diagnose SCK (≥1.2 mM). In cows within 14 DIM, this was classified as SCK II, and from 15 DIM, this was classified as SCK I. Herds with a combined percentage of SCK I and SCK II of less than 10% were classified as SCK-negative herds, those with percentages of 10–25%, were classified as alert herds, and those with one of 25% or more, we classified as positive herds. The prevalence of SCK in the entire DIM was 17.6%. The prevalence of SCK II (20.2%) tended to occur more frequently than SCK I (16.5%, p = 0.094). The frequency of SCK I was higher at the fourth parity. The number of milking cows in SCK-positive herds was significantly smaller than those of the other two types of herds (p = 0.004). The frequency of SCK-positive herds in tie stalls and with component feeding was higher than for free stall or free barn and with total mixed ration (p = 0.054 and p = 0.002). This study reveals the prevalence of SCK in Hokkaido, Japan, and shows that SCK is associated with parity and the management system. Full article
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10 pages, 476 KiB  
Article
The Housing System Contributes to Udder Health and Milk Composition
by Zenon Nogalski and Martyna Momot
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9717; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179717 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1703
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the housing system and somatic cell count (SCC) on the composition and fatty acid profile of milk. A total of 419 milk samples were collected from one herd of 210 cows; 90 [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the housing system and somatic cell count (SCC) on the composition and fatty acid profile of milk. A total of 419 milk samples were collected from one herd of 210 cows; 90 cows were kept in the tie-stall system, and 120 cows were kept in the free-stall system. The cows received the same fodder. Samples were collected four times, in winter. Udder health was evaluated based on SCC. The tie-stall system, mainly due to individual care, was superior to the free-stall system. Milk from cows kept in the tie-stall system had lower (p < 0.01) SCC by 72 ths mL−1 cells than milk from cows kept in the free-stall system. An increase in SCC was accompanied by decreases in daily milk yield and lactose concentration. Milk from cows housed in the tie-stall barn had higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents and a lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Milk with a higher SCC contained more PUFAs and fewer monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Tie-stall housing contributed to an increase in the proportions of acids beneficial to the health of consumers. A comparison of two housing systems for cows on one farm showed that the free-stall system was associated with a higher SCC and a less favorable milk composition and fatty acid profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)
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16 pages, 1203 KiB  
Article
Whole-Genome Sequence of Aeromonas spp. Isolated from a Dairy Farm in Central Texas
by Toni L. Poole, Wayne D. Schlosser, Tawni L. Crippen, Sonja L. Swiger, Keri N. Norman and Robin C. Anderson
Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14(1), 161-176; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14010014 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2938
Abstract
This study investigated the presence of Aeromonas spp. on a dairy farm in central Texas that employed a free-stall management system. A total of 140 samples were collected from areas of two different barns. Twenty-two presumptive Aeromonas isolates were cultured. Phenotypic analysis identified [...] Read more.
This study investigated the presence of Aeromonas spp. on a dairy farm in central Texas that employed a free-stall management system. A total of 140 samples were collected from areas of two different barns. Twenty-two presumptive Aeromonas isolates were cultured. Phenotypic analysis identified five Aeromonas spp. Twenty isolates exhibited β-lactam and one displayed tetracycline resistance. Phylogenetic analysis of the WGS data suggested only four Aeromonas spp. All isolates possessed at least one β-lactam resistance gene and one isolate possessed tet(E). No plasmids were identified from sequence alignments. Virulence genes were identified in all four Aeromonas spp. Mobility elements were identified in three of these, with the exception being A. dhakensis. Four of the transposons identified in this study have been associated with multidrug resistance in Italy, Sweden, and Singapore. There was no significant difference in the proportion of isolates from either barn. The absence of plasmids suggests mobility elements and virulence genes were localized to the chromosome. On a dairy farm of healthy cattle, these 22 Aeromonas isolates were considered normal environmental flora while illustrating the ubiquitous nature of Aeromonas spp. globally. Full article
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21 pages, 4752 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Raised in the Confined System: A Scientometric Review
by Karen Dal’ Magro Frigeri, Kariane Donatti Kachinski, Nédia de Castilhos Ghisi, Matheus Deniz, Flávio Alves Damasceno, Matteo Barbari, Piotr Herbut and Frederico Márcio Corrêa Vieira
Animals 2023, 13(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030350 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5572
Abstract
Due to climate change, heat stress is a growing problem for the dairy industry. Based on this, annual economic losses in the dairy sector are verified mainly on a large scale. Despite several publications on thermal stress in lactating dairy cows in confinement [...] Read more.
Due to climate change, heat stress is a growing problem for the dairy industry. Based on this, annual economic losses in the dairy sector are verified mainly on a large scale. Despite several publications on thermal stress in lactating dairy cows in confinement systems, there need to be published reviews addressing this issue systematically. Our objective was to scientometrically analyze the effects of heat stress in dairy cows managed in a confinement system. Based on PRISMA guidelines, research articles were identified, screened, and summarized based on inclusion criteria for heat stress in a confinement system. Data was obtained from the Web of Science. A total of 604 scientific articles published between 2000 and April 2022 were considered. Data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace. The results pointed to a significant increase in studies on heat stress in lactating cows housed in confinement systems. The main research areas were Agriculture, Dairy Animal Science and Veterinary Sciences. The USA showed the highest concentration of studies (31.12%), followed by China (14.90%). Emerging themes included heat stress and behavior. The most influential journals were the Journal of Dairy Science and the Journal of Animal Science. The top authors were L. H. Baumgard and R. J. Collier. The leading institutions were the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, followed by the State University System of Florida and the University of Florida. The study maps the significant research domains on heat stress of lactating cows in confinement systems, discusses implications and explanations and highlights emerging trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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