Vol. 13, Issue 5 (2024)

Author(s):
Rahul Kumar, Sandeep Nanavati, Archana Jain, Danveer Singh Yadav, Naval Singh Rawat, Mohabbat Singh Jamra, KPS Saini and Sachin Sankhla

Abstract:
In the present experiment a total of 18 cows were randomly divided into three groups of six each and exposed to the respective flooring treatments for a period of 90 days. The objectives of experiment was to study the effect of rubber mat and other floors on physio-biochemical parameters of crossbred cows on different floors. The overall mean body temperatures were 100.44±0.05°F, 100.47±0.05°F, and 100.59±0.04°F for concrete, rubber mat, and earthen floor groups respectively, without any statistically significant differences. Similarly, the pulse and respiration rates remained comparable across treatments. Biochemical profiling demonstrated that total serum protein and albumin concentrations were highest in the rubber mat group (7.30±0.034 g/dL and 2.67±0.02 g/dL respectively), differing significantly from the earthen floor group which exhibited the lowest values (7.13±0.03 g/dL and 2.54±0.02 g/dL respectively). However, globulin levels did not vary considerably between groups. The findings demonstrate the superiority of rubber mat flooring in promoting better welfare, comfort, and hygienic conditions for crossbred dairy cows. Rubber mats contributed to reduced stress levels as evidenced by favourable biochemical profiles. Therefore, the adoption of rubber mat flooring can be strongly recommended to dairy farmers as a cost-effective intervention to enhance productivity and ensure optimal well-being of their livestock.