Measuring welfare quality in loose and tied housing in Norwegian dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to highlight the different factors playing a part of the two different housing systems regarding dairy cattle; tie-stall and loose housing barns in Norway. Several aspects of the discussion have been mentioned. It has been done several studies on the health (feet, udder, metabolic) and several welfare studies of the two different systems. According to the studies done by the Norwegian government and several other researchers, there are both negative and positive aspects of the two keeping systems. Cow-trainers are considered to be negative when looking at the welfare of the cow, and when viewing the natural behaviour of the cattle free movement, exercise and the ability to self-grooming and interactions with other individuals are all important factors for good welfare.