Performance and design of an alternative housing system for dairy cows

Housing can deeply affect the welfare of dairy cows and consequently their performance. Actually, free stall barns (FS) represent the most widespread housing system in intensive dairy farms. However, recent findings showed that this system can severely compromise animal welfare, especially as regards feet and leg health. Cultivated pack barns (CPB), known in many countries as compost barns, are relatively new housing option for dairy cows that seems to offer improved cow comfort. The CPB system has spread in Italy since 2006 but scientific knowledge about it is still sparse. The primary objective of this work was to provide management and design recommendations for Italian CPB. To do this, an extensive review of literature concerning CPB systems was performed. Existing CPB in Italy were surveyed and their performance was compared with FS. Moreover, the thermal performance of greenhouse-type structure, which appeared a viable alternative for CPB construction, was investigated. Results showed that, if properly managed, CPB can represent an effective solution for housing dairy cows also in Italy. Compared with FS, CPB improved cow's longevity, indicating better cow comfort and health. Producers indeed identified animal welfare as the main benefit of CPB and overall they appeared to be very satisfied. Nevertheless, concerns about the cost of bedding suggested that pack management and barn characteristics have not yet been optimized. Italian producers with CPB allotted a very low space per cow (6.8 m2/cow), which has confirmed to be a key factor for this kind of housing system. A model was implemented to identify the optimal space allowance in Italian CPB. Outcomes showed that a space per cow of 14.6 m2/cow would allow to minimize running costs. On the basis of information collected the design of an optimal CPB within the Italian context was proposed and discussed.