Tag Archives: dairy cattle

249-265 J.V. Aguiar, P.F.P. Ferraz, G.A.S. Ferraz, J.C. Ferreira, D. Cecchin, A. Mattia, L. Conti and G. Rossi
Remotely piloted aircraft for monitoring greenhouse gases in dairy production systems
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Remotely piloted aircraft for monitoring greenhouse gases in dairy production systems

J.V. Aguiar¹, P.F.P. Ferraz²*, G.A.S. Ferraz², J.C. Ferreira², D. Cecchin³, A. Mattia⁴, L. Conti⁴ and G. Rossi⁴

¹Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, BR 37200–900 Lavras, Brazil
²Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Department of Agricultural Engineering, BR37200–900 Lavras, Brazil
³Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), BR 24210–240 Niteroi, Brazil
⁴Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, IT 50145 Florence, Italy
*Correspondence: patricia.ponciano@ufla.br

Abstract:

The monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in dairy cattle facilities is essential for understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock farming. Among the main gases emitted in dairy production systems, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) play significant roles in global warming. The objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial variability of CH4 (ppm) and CO2 (ppm) concentrations, as well as environmental variables (dry bulb temperature, tdb, °C, and relative humidity, RH, %), in a compost barn dairy production system. For gas concentration monitoring, an electrochemical sensor was used for CH4 and a non–dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for CO2. For the environmental variables, a Hobo® MX2301A datalogger was used, and both pieces of equipment were attached to a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), the DJI Matrice 350. Measurements were carried out over three days, with flights conducted over the facility’s roof. The data obtained were analysed using geostatistics to characterise spatial variability of the GHG. A strong spatial dependence was observed in gas concentrations and environmental variables. The highest concentrations of CH4 (129–134.4 ppm) and CO2 (434–479 ppm) were recorded on the first day. Tdb ranged between 24.2 °C and 32 °C, while RH fluctuated between 38.8% and 68%. The use of RPA proved to be an efficient tool for GHG monitoring, allowing the identification of spatial distribution patterns. This technology provides a novel approach to measuring GHG emissions, addressing the environmental challenges of the agricultural sector.

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110-126 J.C. Ferreira, P.F.P Ferraz, G.A.S. Ferraz, F.M. Oliveira, V.G. Cadavid, G. Rossi and V. Becciolini
Spatial variability of methane and carbon dioxide gases in a Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system
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Spatial variability of methane and carbon dioxide gases in a Compost-Bedded Pack Barn system

J.C. Ferreira¹, P.F.P Ferraz¹*, G.A.S. Ferraz¹, F.M. Oliveira¹, V.G. Cadavid², G. Rossi³ and V. Becciolini³

¹Federal University of Lavras, Department of Agricultural Engineering, University Campus, PO Box 3037 - CEP 37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Genética Molecular (BIOGEM). Carrera 65 #59A-110, postal code 050034 Medellín, Colombia
³University of Firenze, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, 13 Via San Bonaventura, IT 50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: patricia.ponciano@ufla.br

Abstract:

The dairy sector significantly contributes to global food production, however, it is closely associated with environmental concerns, specifically the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The research problem focuses on the environmental impact of livestock farming, particularly in relation to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the spatial variability of CH4 and CO2, as well as the thermal environment through the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and of air velocity (V, m s-1) in a Compost Bedded Pack (CBP). The experiment was carried out in October 2023, in a commercial dairy cattle facility measuring 54×22×4.5 m (length×width×height) that housed 80 lactating cows. Measurements were collected at 75 points, 0.25 m above the bedding, for one minute in each point. To characterize the distribution of gases and the thermal environment, the data were underwent geostatistical techniques and kriging maps. THI values ranged from 72.4 to 78.4, categorizing the animals into two environments within the facility, comfort and alert to thermal conditions. The maximum recorded for CO2 was 713.60 ppm in the region with a low ventilation incidence. CH4 reached a ranging from 103.38 to 196.73 ppm in areas with low ventilation and higher temperatures. The use of geostatistics enabled the characterization of spatial variability of greenhouse gases CH4 and CO2, as well as THI and V. Analyzing these variables is crucial for implementing mitigation actions and developing an increasingly sustainable production system.

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1233-1245 G.L. Nepomuceno, D. Cecchin, F.A. Damasceno, P.I.S. Amaral, V.R. Caproni, G. Rossi, G. Bambi and P.F.P Ferraz
Compost barn system and its influence on the environment, comfort and welfare of dairy cattle
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Compost barn system and its influence on the environment, comfort and welfare of dairy cattle

G.L. Nepomuceno¹, D. Cecchin¹*, F.A. Damasceno², P.I.S. Amaral³, V.R. Caproni², G. Rossi⁴, G. Bambi⁴ and P.F.P Ferraz²

¹Federal Fluminense University, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environment, Street Passo da Pátria, n. 156, Boa Viagem, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
²Federal University of Lavras, Agricultural Engineering Department, Campus Universitário, PO Box 3037, CEP 37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
³José do Rosário Vellano University, Department of Veterinary Medicine,
Rodovia MG-179 km 0, s/n - Bairro Trevo, BR 37130-000 Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
⁴University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, IT13-50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: daianececchin@id.uff.br

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the thermal environment on behavioral and physiological parameters of crossbred cows of different productivity levels confined in a compost barn system. For this, air temperature (Tdb) and relative humidity (RH) data were measured using sensors/registers and wind speed (Vair) was recorded with the aid of an anemometer. Subsequently, these data were used to calculate the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). Bedding material variables (pH and humidity) were also evaluated. The animals were evaluated for physiological variables (respiratory rate – RR and surface temperature – ST), scores (body condition, locomotion and dirt) and behavior. The analyses were carried out on two groups of cows (Group 1: high production vs. Group 2: medium and low production). The average pH of the bedding material was 8.5, within the recommended range. In the case of the physiological responses of the cows, the respiratory rate (RR) of Group 1 indicated better conditions of thermal comfort in the morning vs. the afternoon. The system was efficient in both groups based on body condition score, indicating favorable conditions for the health of the animals. Regarding the behavioral evaluation, Group 1 and 2 were statistically similar and had the longest rumination times, in relation to the other evaluated behaviors. Regarding active periods, medium production were the most active. Regarding idle time, low production spent more time idle than the other animals.

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2016–2028 V.C. Oliveira, F.A. Damasceno, C.E.A. Oliveira, P.F.P. Ferraz, G.A.S. Ferraz and J.A.O. Saraz
Compost-bedded pack barns in the state of Minas Gerais: architectural and technological characterization
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Compost-bedded pack barns in the state of Minas Gerais: architectural and technological characterization

V.C. Oliveira¹, F.A. Damasceno¹*, C.E.A. Oliveira¹, P.F.P. Ferraz¹, G.A.S. Ferraz¹ and J.A.O. Saraz²

¹Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000, Lavras - Minas Gerais, Brazil
²Univeridad Nacional de Colombia, Agrarians Faculty, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Carrera 65 # 59A - 110, CO050001 Medellin, Colombia
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@ufla.br

Abstract:

Compost bedding pack (CBP) barns have been receiving increased attention as an alternative housing system for dairy cattle. Thus, a systematic investigation of the primary management practices of dairy cattle in CBP barns in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) has proven to be of environmental and economic relevance. The aim of this research was to summarize the compost bed data, barn dimension data and to determine the major interactive factors in the success of bed composting from qualitative and quantitative methods. Data for this study was collected from 16 CBP barns, distributed throughout the southern state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) between March 2017 and July 2018. These data were used to describe the building layouts and dimensions, to identify barn management practices, and to characterize the compost bedding material concerning moisture content. The majority of these barns had feed alleys and driveways; overshot ridges with frequent orientation from NE to SW; bedding process and aeration using mechanical tillage. The average bedding moisture content was found to be 36.9 ± 5.2% (w.b.). Based on the information found, it is possible to evaluate that there is still no defined construction pattern, with a high variation of size and technologies employed.

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783–796 C.E.A. Oliveira, F.A. Damasceno, P.F.P. Ferraz, J.A.C. Nascimento, G.A.S. Ferraz and M. Barbari
Geostatistics applied to evaluation of thermal conditions and noise in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems
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Geostatistics applied to evaluation of thermal conditions and noise in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems

C.E.A. Oliveira¹, F.A. Damasceno¹*, P.F.P. Ferraz¹, J.A.C. Nascimento¹, G.A.S. Ferraz¹ and M. Barbari²

¹Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000, Lavras - Minas Gerais, Brazil
²University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial distribution of thermal conditions and bed variables in compost dairy barns with different ventilation systems, through the technique of geostatistics. The experiment was conducted in April 2017, in farms located in Madre de Deus, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three facilities were evaluated with different ventilation systems: natural (NV); mechanical of low volume and high speed (LVHS); and mechanical of high volume and low speed (HVLS). The interior of the premises was divided into 40 meshes equidistant points, in which air temperature, relative humidity and air speed were manually collected. Geostatistics technique was used to assess the spatial dependence of the variables. The results showed the occurrence of dependence and spatial variability of the variables evaluated. Based on thermal comfort indexes, it was concluded that dairy cows were under stress conditions during the hottest hours of the day in the three animal facilities evaluated. The results obtained allow us to understand that the thermal environment is more influenced by the ventilation system adopted.

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385–395 F.A. Damasceno, C.E.A Oliveira, G.A.S Ferraz, J.A.C Nascimento, M Barbari and P.F.P Ferraz
Spatial distribution of thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in compost dairy barn with climate control system
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Spatial distribution of thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in compost dairy barn with climate control system

F.A. Damasceno¹*, C.E.A Oliveira¹, G.A.S Ferraz¹, J.A.C Nascimento¹, M Barbari² and P.F.P Ferraz¹

¹Federal University of Lavras, Engineering Department, BR37200-000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
²University of Florence, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, Via San Bonaventura, 13, IT50145 Firenze, Italy
*Correspondence: flavio.damasceno@deg.ufla.br

Abstract:

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial distribution of the thermal variables, acoustics and lighting in climate controlled compost dairy barn. The experiment was conducted in October 2017, in a farm located in the west of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For the study, the interior of the animal facility was divided into 120 meshes equidistant points, in which air temperature (tdb), relative humidity (RH), noise, illuminance, and air speed (Vair) were manually collected. The technique of geostatistics was used to evaluate the distribution and spatial dependence of variables. Spatial distribution maps showed the occurrence of high variability of attributes and content within the animal facility. Thermal environment variables showed alert situations throughout practically the entire facility. The noise and luminance levels were within the recommended values.

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322–332 A. Aboltins, L. Melece and J. Priekulis
Model for ammonia emissions’ assessment and comparison of various dairy cattle farming systems and technologies
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Model for ammonia emissions’ assessment and comparison of various dairy cattle farming systems and technologies

A. Aboltins¹, L. Melece²* and J. Priekulis¹

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Institute of Agricultural Machinery, Cakstes blvd.5, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Department of Economics, Struktoru str. 14, LV-1039 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: ligita.melece@arei.lv

Abstract:

A dairy cattle farming is an important source of ammonia emissions, particularly in Latvia. Models using a wide range in level of detail have been developed to represent or predict these emissions. Besides, models are useful for improving the understanding of various farm processes and their interacting effects on ammonia emissions. The model for ammonia emissions’ assessing or representing, predicting and comparing for manure management chain of dairy cattle was created. The model provides a tool for evaluating mitigation and management strategies, abatement measures and techniques to reduce of ammonia emissions and improve the sustainability of dairy production systems both on the dairy farm and at the national level. It could be used as a supplement tool for officials and experts. The model estimates those ammonia abatement measures and techniques that have the highest emission reduction potential and opportunities for implementation on Latvia’s dairy farms. The simulation model assesses the ammonia emissions into each stage of the farming: animal housing, manure management – manure handling and storage, and manure application. An important stage in reducing ammonia emissions is manure storage. It should be noted that the main task of the model was to compare the impact of the ammonia emission reduction options. When entering the number of animals, the average nitrogen quantity per animal, the percentage distribution of manure quantities, the first three levels of the program can be used to estimate the amount of nitrogen to be incorporated into the soil and, as the difference; and the amount of ammonia emissions.

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900-909 D. Smiltina and Z. Grislis
Molecular genetics analysis of milk protein gene polymorphism of dairy cows and breeding bulls in Latvia
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Molecular genetics analysis of milk protein gene polymorphism of dairy cows and breeding bulls in Latvia

D. Smiltina* and Z. Grislis

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Liela street 2, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: dace.smiltina@llu.lv

Abstract:

Milk protein is the most valuable component of milk from a dietary point of view. More than 95% of ruminants’ milk proteins are coded by six structural genes: two whey proteins (α – lactalbumin and β – lactoglobulin) and four caseins (αS1 – and αS2 – caseins, β – casein, κ – casein). The object of the research was the genetic polymorphisms of milk protein genes in populations of cows and breeding bulls of milk producing breeds in Latvia. The aim was to promote cow breeding in Latvia by developing and testing molecular genetics analyses for future quantity and quality analysis of the dairy cows’ population in Latvia, based on the research of genes encoding milk protein polymorphism. In methodology the molecular markers were chosen which would be suitable for characterization of polymorphism of five milk protein genes in the population of dairy cows reared in Latvia. As a genetic method chosen the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method and most analysed alleles of milk proteins. Using data of 719 DNA samples of dairy cows, the analysis of Latvian cows’ population was carried out through six SNP of five milk protein genes: CSN1S1 c.–175A > G, CSN2 – c.4451A > C, CSN3 c.11625C > T and c.11661A > C, LAA c.15A > G and LGB c.3106T > C. The results of PCR-RFLP analysis showed, as it was expected, that all genotypes were found in the populations.

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39-48 J. Frorip, E. Kokin, J. Praks, V. Poikalainen, A. Ruus, I. Veermäe, L.Lepasalu, W. Schäfer, H. Mikkola, J. Ahokas
Energy consumption in animal production – case farm study
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Energy consumption in animal production – case farm study

J. Frorip¹, E. Kokin¹, J. Praks¹, V. Poikalainen¹, A. Ruus¹, I. Veermäe¹, L.Lepasalu¹, W. Schäfer², H. Mikkola³, J. Ahokas³

¹Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, EE51014, Tartu, Estonia;
e-mail: juri@monte.ee
²MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Agricultural Engineering Research
(MTT/VAKOLA), Vakolantie 55, FI-03400 Vihti, Uusimaa, Finland;
e-mail: winfried.schafer@mtt.fi
³Department of Agrotechnology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 28 (Koetilantie 3),
FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland;
e-mail: Jukka.ahokas@helsinki.fi; hannu.j.mikkola@helsinki.fi

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to analyse the energy use by the dairy case-farm with un-insulated cowsheds in Estonia for the period of 2009-2010. The energy balance calculation includes the direct energy input of fuel, lubricants and electricity and the indirect input of forage, cereals, concentrates for young stock, dairy cattle and buildings. Energy outputs are milk, meat, and manure. The energy values were calculated multiplying the quantities of inputs and outputs by their energy conversion factors. The quantitative parameters of the inputs and outputs are based on book-keeping data, the energy conversion factors of feed were measured. The energy output-input ratio of the case-farm was 1.88 in 2009 and 1.85 in 2010. Energy input of milk was 5.4 and 5.3 per MJ kg-1, respectively. Our study indicated that the case farm energy consumption is generally higher than that of comparable European dairy farms. The further research is needed to find the reason of mentioned differences.

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216-225 V. Poikalainen, J. Praks, E. Kokin, A. Aland, I. Veermäe, S. Peets, J. Ahokas, M. Pastell, M. Hautala, D. Berckmans, C. Bahr, and D. Miljkovic
Elaboration of Basic Methods for Automatic Analysis of Cows’ Gait
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Elaboration of Basic Methods for Automatic Analysis of Cows’ Gait

V. Poikalainen¹, J. Praks¹, E. Kokin¹, A. Aland¹, I. Veermäe¹, S. Peets¹, J. Ahokas², M. Pastell², M. Hautala², D. Berckmans³, C. Bahr³, and D. Miljkovic³

1 Estonian University of Life Sciences, 1 Kreutzwaldi Str., EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
e-mail: vaino.poikalainen@emu.ee
² University of Helsinki, Department of Agrotechnology, P.O. Box 28 (Koetilantie 3),
00014 Helsinki, Finland; e-mail: Jukka.ahokas@helsinki.fi
³ Division Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholike Universiteit
Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
e-mail: Claudia.Bahr@biw.kuleuven.be

Abstract:

Two different methods for automatic registration and analysis were used to produce data for comparison and analysis of lame and healthy animals’ gait in Estonia. A walk over mat with two quazi-piezoelectric sensors was elaborated and tested in co-operation with University of Helsinki. Preliminary analysis indicates that lameness can be seen as asymmetric gait and thus the quazi-piezoelectric walk-over mat is a promising tool for automatic leg problem detection.
A video-system was introduced to record walking pattern of cows in co-operation with Catholic University of Leuven. For video recordings three cameras were used to obtain top, side and leg views with StreamPix software video-signal capture. Possibilities of image based separation of dairy cows with real time vision system and preliminary settlement of this was developed. A model-based motion scoring system is proposed for derivation of image parameters needed for lameness detection.
About 600 cows once a week were investigated in a large dairy farm during four months’ period.
Dairy cows’ gait pattern was recorded with the aid of quazi-piezoelectric walk-over mat and video-system. Preliminary lameness scoring was performed in the cowshed visually by two experts. These scoring results were later specified by expert commission on the basis of video-recordings. Lameness scores (according to Sprecher et al) were assigned as follows: 1–6,012 cases, 2–1,181 cases, 3–522 cases, 4–105 cases and 5–37 cases from total 10,653 cases. The database of cows’ identification numbers, lameness scores and disordered legs description was created, that allows synchronization of walk-over mat signals data and video files.

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