Effects of Different Bedding Materials on Production Performance, Lying Behavior and Welfare of Dairy Buffaloes

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Different bedding materials have important effects on the growth, performance, lying behavior and animal welfare of buffaloes. In this study, we investigated the effects of two bedding materials on lying behavior, production performance and animal welfare of dairy buffaloes. Our results indicated that FMB (fermented manure bedding) promoted the performance and welfare of buffaloes. The results showed that the application of FMB improved the lying behavior of buffaloes, the average daily lying time (ADLT) of buffaloes in FMB increased by 58 min compared to those in CB and the average daily standing time (ADST) decreased by 30 min. The results indicated that the average daily milk yield of buffaloes in FMB increased by 5.78% compared to buffaloes in CB. The results showed that the application of FMB improved the welfare of buffaloes. In summary, the application of FMB has significantly modified the lying behavior, production performance and welfare of buffaloes and significantly reduced the cost of bedding material. ABSTRACT: Different bedding materials have important effects on the behavioristics, production performance and welfare of buffalo. This study aimed to compare the effects of two bedding materials on lying behavior, production performance and animal welfare of dairy buffaloes. More than 40 multiparous lactating buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups, which were raised on fermented manure bedding (FMB) and chaff bedding (CB). The results showed that the application of FMB improved the lying behavior of buffaloes, the average daily lying time (ADLT) of buffaloes in FMB increased by 58 min compared to those in CB, with a significant difference (p < 0.05); the average daily standing time (ADST) decreased by 30 min, with a significant difference (p < 0.05); and the buffalo comfort index (BCI) increased, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The average daily milk yield of buffaloes in FMB increased by 5.78% compared to buffaloes in CB. The application of FMB improved the hygiene of buffaloes. The locomotion score and hock lesion score were not significantly different between the two groups and all buffaloes did not show moderate and severe lameness. The price of FMB was calculated to be 46% of CB, which greatly reduced the cost of bedding material. In summary, FMB has significantly improved the lying behavior, production performance and welfare of buffaloes and significantly reduce the cost of bedding material.