EFFECT OF CONFINEMENT AREA ON PRODUCTION, PHYSIOLOGICAL-PARAMETERS AND BEHAVIOR OF FRIESIAN COWS DURING WINTER IN A TEMPERATE CLIMATE

In mild climatic regions, open camp systems (dry lots) may be used for dairy cattle. These have a lower capital investment cost than intensi ve housing systems although the management of open camps is more diffi cult. The effect of (a) an earthen mound within an open camp and (b) d ifferent camp sizes on the production performance, some physiological parameters and behaviour of Dutch-type Friesian cows were determined o ver two winter seasons. The feed intake of cows in the earthen mound c amp was higher (P < 0.05) than that of cows in the smaller camp. Produ ction and physiological parameters of cows, however, did not differ (P > 0.05) between camps with and without an earthen mound. Similarly pr oduction and physiological parameters of cows in camps of different si zes (100 vs 200 m(2)/cow) did not differ (P > 0.05). The ground surfac e of the large camp was drier than that of the small camp resulting in cleaner cows (P < 0.01) while the washing time of udders at milking w as shorter (P < 0.01). Cows in the small camp stood for longer periods (P < 0.01) to avoid lying down in wet areas. Cows in the large camp s pent more time (P < 0.01) lying down. Although no difference in produc tion parameters was observed in both trials, an earthen mound and camp s of at least 100 m(2)/cow may be necessary in high rainfall areas.