Effect of rubber and concrete flooring on resting behavior, hock injuries, and milk production of primiparous Friesian crossbred dairy cows housed in a free-stall barn in Mid-Country, Sri Lanka

Weerasinghe, W. P. C. G.; Rajapaksha, Eranda; Gunawardena, W. W. D. A.; Ammunekumbura, I. D. E. M.; Samarakone, T. S.

doi:10.1007/s11250-021-02885-y

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Replacing the flooring of resting areas for these ruminants with more comfortable flooring could be an effective first approach to improving their welfare conditions, as has already been demonstrated in other case studies involving cows [44][45][46][47]. Indeed, improving the living conditions of buffaloes translates into numerous benefits, including a reduction in the occurrence of joint diseases, an increase in milk yield and milk quality, and an improvement in well-being as a result of providing hygienic resting spaces [36][37][38]48,49].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

“…This led to a reduction in cases of lameness (usually very common among livestock) and in the costs related to veterinary care [62][63][64][65]. In addition to improved health, the presence of rubber mats ensured better hygiene conditions and improved mobility for the livestock; not only that, but the improvement in the overall comfort of the livestock was also positively correlated to the amount and quality of produced milk and to the fertility rate of the livestock [27,44,45]. Of all the ground tyre rubber mesh categories, for the production of the mats we selected the finest one because its grain size offered the possibility of more effective mixing with a proper adhesive and allowed us to produce a more homogeneous product in terms of density and texture.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Masiello,

di Cicco,

Spagnuolo

et al. 2024

AgriEngineering

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This study focuses on anti-trauma mats designed for buffaloes’ comfort, using as raw materials rubber powder from end-of-life tyres (ELTs) and an isocyanate-based polyurethane resin binder. The first part of the study focused on mat formulation. Whilst it was possible to select a unique combination of raw materials and design features, it was necessary to investigate the relationship between three critical parameters affecting mat consistency and therefore buffalo comfort: binder quantity, mat thickness, and desired final mat density (bulk). In order to quantitatively assess the variation in hardness, various combinations were investigated within well-defined ranges based on the relevant literature. The results obtained from nine selected combinations indicate that increases in the three critical parameters do not induce a real phase transition in the final product consistency, although the hardness suggests an increasing trend. The mats consistently exhibited a moderately soft/hard consistency, offering environmental benefits in terms of increased rubber usage and potentially reduced chemical binder, depending on the desired thickness. The selected mixture showed excellent resistance to heavy chemical loads, suggesting reliability for frequent cleaning operations. The second part of the study involved field trials of the mats with calves. This involved monitoring their weight gain and appetite levels over a 90-day period. The results showed excellent growth performance compared to uncoated grids (i.e., weight gain was approximately 20% higher at the end of the observation period); this was similar to that achieved with the use of straw bedding. However, compared to straw bedding, the mats (i) exhibit long-term durability, with no signs of wear from washing or trampling over the months of the trial, (ii) allow for quick and efficient cleaning, and (iii) enable companies to save on labour, material (straw), and waste disposal costs, while maintaining (or even improving) the same welfare levels associated with the use of straw.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Masiello,

di Cicco,

Spagnuolo

et al. 2024

AgriEngineering

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The shift towards artificial and high-welfare floors reflects the industry's growing focus on cow comfort and health. These floors, typically made from rubber or other cushioned materials, significantly reduce the incidence of injuries and lameness [46,47] associated with harder surfaces. Their design also supports effective manure management, as they aid in the separation of manure and urine, essential for reducing ammonia emissions.…”

Section: Artificial and High-welfare Floorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Neethirajan

2023

Sustainability

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In recent years, the Canadian dairy sector has faced escalating challenges due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This paper critically examines a spectrum of innovative techniques aimed at mitigating methane emissions within this sector, scrutinizing their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, compatibility with animal welfare standards, and adherence to both existing and prospective Canadian environmental legislations. The discourse begins with an exhaustive overview of contemporary methane reduction methodologies relevant to dairy farming, followed by a rigorous analysis of their economic feasibility. This includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, juxtaposed with the efficiency and technological advancements these techniques embody. A pivotal aspect of this examination is the alignment of animal welfare with emission reduction objectives, ensuring that the strategies employed do not compromise the health and well-being of dairy cattle. Furthermore, the paper delves into the legislative landscape of Canada, evaluating the congruence of these techniques with current environmental laws and anticipating future regulatory shifts. Performance indicators for emission reduction are critically assessed, establishing benchmarks tailored to the Canadian context. This is complemented by an exploration of the market potential of these innovations, including factors influencing their adoption and scalability in the market. The analysis culminates with a synthesis of case studies and best practices within Canada, offering insights into successful implementations and drawing lessons for future endeavors. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate environmental and health impacts associated with dairy farming emissions but also significantly contributes to the overarching goal of sustainable development in the agricultural sector. The research presented in this paper holds significant implications for the future of sustainable dairy farming, offering a model for addressing environmental challenges while maintaining economic viability and animal welfare.

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Business model development for installation of rubber floor mats to support productivity in dairy farming

Chanthes,

Sawangloke,

Luangsakdapich

et al. 2024

Agric. resour. econ.

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Purpose. Ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber gradually loses its quality as it is stored after production. Rubber floor mats are recommended as a marketable upstream production in the Thailand rubber industry to help add economic value to low-graded RSS. However, limited attention in research has been paid to business development, particularly on practical models focusing on the demand perspectives. This study helped fill the knowledge gap by analysing factors influencing labour production in dairy farming and proposing a business model based on productivity analysis. The aim of the project was to create a practical business model for cattle rubber floor mats made of low-graded RSS rubber used for nourishing and housing management to promote labour productivity in dairy farming. Methodology / approach. The study used mixed-methods research. A theoretical framework was developed concerning rubber floor mats used in dairy farming, which helped improve the nourishing and housing management of dairy cattle and promote labour productivity. This research adopted Osterwalder’s business model canvas to examine the demand and supply elements of dairy cattle floor mats made of low-graded rubber. It also used the knowledge-based entrepreneurship concept to scrutinise knowledge-based business development. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data required for multiple regression analysis of labour productivity using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method. It also used semi-structured interviews to scrutinise the subjective experiences of farmers. A focus group discussion was conducted to investigate academics and rubber promotional authorities concerning potential technology and the possibility of transfer of production technology to promote knowledge-based business development. Results. The empirical evidence presented in this paper confirmed that rubber floor mats could help enhance cattle nourishment, dairy housing management and labour productivity. Regional knowledge transfer network was revealed as a driver of knowledge-based development for assisting local upstream rubber farmers in pursuing eco-innovation in rubber production, aligning with the national initiatives of Industry 4.0 and Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG) concepts. Originality / scientific novelty. The originality of this paper is that it presents the results of an empirical study using mixed methods for the first time aiming at clarifying practical elements of the supply and demand sides’ components of the Osterwalder`s Business Model Canvas for developing a business model delivered as a knowledge-based business model for the production of dairy cattle floor mats made of low-graded RSS rubber to help guide practical downstream rubber business development. The qualitative results, together with the quantitative analysis of labour productivity, are based on the perceptions of local farmers in Thailand regarding the use of rubber floor mats on the farm; previous studies scientifically prove its positive relation to an increase in dairy cattle nourishing, hence the daily productivity. Practical value / implications. The novel business model canvas could promote the practical cattle floor mats business development. University engagement and public support were included as the critical drivers in this knowledge-based business model. The model implementation could help encourage rubber farmers and smallholders in upstream rubber production to move towards downstream business development and become knowledge-based entrepreneurs in value-added rubber floor mats production. It could also guide the agricultural policymakers to benchmark and evaluate their policy targeting innovative knowledge-based business development for rubber extension.

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Effect of rubber and concrete flooring on resting behavior, hock injuries, and milk production of primiparous Friesian crossbred dairy cows housed in a free-stall barn in Mid-Country, Sri Lanka

Cited by 5 publications

References 16 publications

Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Mats Made from Recycled Tyre Rubber and Polyurethane for Improving Growth Performance in Buffalo Farms

Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Dairy Farming in Canada amidst Climate Change

Business model development for installation of rubber floor mats to support productivity in dairy farming

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