Evaluation of Animal Welfare in Dairy farms in Kars Province for Barn and Breeding Conditions

This study was conducted in 54 dairy farms, including 48 tie-stall (TS) barns and 6 closed free-stall (CFS) barns, in two different types of farms registered to the TURKVET system in the city center and districts of Kars. The welfare level was determined based on the Animal Needs Index (ANI) 35L Model. Use of yard or pasture (days/year) among the criteria of the freedom of movement category according to barn types; space per animal (m2/500 kg), management of young and use of yard or pasture (days/year) among the criteria of the social interaction category; softness and cleanliness of the bedding space among the criteria of the floor condition category; the use of open space among the criteria of the light and air conditions category; and cleanliness of stables among the criteria of the stockmanship category; the condition of equipment, condition of integument, cleanliness of animals, and condition of hooves were found to be statistically significant (P < .05). The in-barn mean temperature, humidity and temperature humidity index (THI) were 23.76 °C, 37.83% and 68.73, respectively in the tie-stall barns, while the mean temperature, humidity and temperature humidity index (THI) were 22.20 °C, 38.13% and 66.98, respectively, in the closed free-stall barns and no statistical difference was found (P > .05). As a result of the research, 2.1% of the closed-tie barns were determined to be borderline suitable, 33.3% partially suitable, 37.5% largely suitable, 27.1% suitable in terms of animal welfare, while no unsuitable or very suitable enterprises were determined. While 16.7% of the closed free-stall barns were suitable and 83.3% were very suitable, no unsuitable, rarely, little, and fairly suitable barns were determined. The breeders and personnel working in relevant units should be trained on animal welfare to increase awareness on welfare.