Assessment of Production and Health of Dairy Cows in Confinement Systems in the Southern Region of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

Dairy farming plays a fundamental role in both the economy and food security, especially in Brazil. However, challenges related to management, stress, and animal health often compromise herd productivity. As an alternative, confinement systems such as Compost Barn and Free Stall have been increasingly adopted to promote animal welfare, enhance milk production, and reduce the incidence of diseases like mastitis. In this context, the present study investigated key factors influencing the health and productivity of confined dairy cows in the southern region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Data were collected from 14 farms, involving 484 cows with an average daily production of 30.36 liters. The research employed the Welfare Quality® protocol, specific mastitis diagnostic tests, and statistical tools such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Results showed that larger herds are more prone to disease spread, particularly mastitis, which was associated with management failures, poor milking hygiene, and inadequate sanitary infrastructure. Cows with calmer temperaments during milking exhibited lower stress levels and higher milk yields, while fear and aggressiveness were closely linked to human handling practices. A notable increase in female labor participation in milking was observed, reflecting a shortage of male workers in rural areas. Genetics also played a crucial role, with Girolando being the predominant breed due to its heat tolerance and good productive performance. In Compost Barn systems, cows with a higher proportion of Holstein genetics were more common, benefiting from improved thermal comfort and ventilation, whereas Free Stall systems presented limitations for larger and more heat-sensitive animals. Overall, daily milk production and herd size emerged as determining factors in disease dynamics within the systems. The study concludes that the Compost-Barn system offers better thermal comfort and may be more suitable for regions with challenging climates, while the Free-Stall system provides superior nutritional and sanitary control.