Comparative Assessment of Concrete, Rubber Mat and Soil Flooring on Welfare and Economics of Murrah Buffalo Calves

Abstract

A controlled experimental study was performed to evaluate how different flooring materials influence cleanliness, behavioural patterns and cost economics in Murrah Buffalo calves. Eighteen healthy calves of either sex (6-8 months old), were randomly assigned to three flooring systems — concrete (T1), rubber mat (T2), and soil (T3) for a period of 3 months, from August 2022 to October 2022, at Buffalo Research Station (BRS), Venkataramannagudem, Behaviour was continuously monitored throughout the study. The overall mean cleanliness score of T3 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than T1 followed by T2. The overall mean standing time (min/day), even though not significant but was higher in T1 and lower in T3. The overall mean lying time and rumination time of T2 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than T3 followed by T1. The overall mean eating time of T1 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than T3 followed by T2. The overall mean social licking time (sec/day) and sleeping time of T3 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than T2 and T1. The cost per kg body weight gain was highest in T1 and was lowest in T3.  This indicates that the best economical flooring used can be soil flooring which also gave positive results in terms of welfare aspect, despite poor hygiene. Though rubber mat flooring gave best results in overall performance and welfare aspects, given if the farmer can afford.