EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FLOORING SYSTEMS ON THE LOCOMOTION IN DAIRY COWS

Floorings in cubicle housing systems for dairy cows are usually made of concrete and have unsatisfying features for unrestrained cattle locomotion in terms of sufficient tractional properties and slipping risks (Van der Tol et al., 2005). The slipping risk on the concrete floors might result in higher falling risk and injuries both in cattle and people working in the barn. The slippery floors impair the movement in cows (Phillips & Morris, 2001; Telezhenko & Bergsten, 2005), reduce their normal activity (Zeeb, 1987, Benz, 2002) and could be a constant stress factor during locomotion. Presence of manure on the floor constitutes not only hygienic problem but also a high risk for slipping. Analysis of slipping accidents in industrial buildings showed that in 80 % of the cases, the floor covering was soiled (Gronqvist & Roine, 1993). New types of flooring are now introduced for loose housing in dairy cattle but there are almost no studies on how they interact with slurry in term of slipping risk and how those floors affect the locomotion in the long run. The aim of this study was to assess the friction coefficients and evaluate some kinematic parameters on different contaminated floors under field conditions.