Assessment of dairy cows comfort in Algerian farms by the Welfare Quality® Protocol

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and degree discomfort in dairy cows risk factors associated by taking into account six animal welfare indicators included Welfare Quality® Protocol (WQ®): lying time, outside area, collision cleanliness assessed on three body areas: udder, hindquarters hind limbs. These were carried out 1,200 belonging 100 farms province Algiers, which 53% kept permanent tie stalls 47% partial stalls. Observation results showed a low average overall score comfort (40.8 ± 10.62). This mainly related long time (5.9s 0.89) 41.0% surveyed exceeded alert threshold (>6.3s) 39.0% alarm (>5.2s), very high dirtiness udder (62.6%±21.9), quarters (60.6%±21.5) limbs (60.6±21.4). As result, majority thresholds: 100.0% (udder), 86.0% (hindquarters) 63.0% (hind limbs). Highly significant correlations observed between different aspects (p < 0.0001). To reconcile cows’ productivity, it is essential improve their comfort.