Effect of a reduced amount of straw bedding on goats’ comfort and hygienic characteristics of milk and straw

The present study aims to understand the influence of a reduced amount straw litter on goats’ lying comfort and hygienic characteristics milk straw. Lying behaviour (frequency, posture, location social context) 24 Alpine goats subjected two different treatments (Regular: 2 kg/straw/head + 1 kg straw/head/day, n = 12; Scarce: straw/head 0.5 12) was observed from video recordings using scan sampling method at 15-min intervals in March 2017. Moreover, samples were submitted microbiological analysis for detection total bacteria (SPC) Enterobacteriaceae count. No significant differences duration between treatments, except beginning experimental period (Day 1: Regular: 26.0%; 20.3% scans; p < .05). In both followed normal patterns goats, with preference sternal (99.4% scans), contact pen wall (78.2% scans) not other (alone: 79.7% scans). Milk SPC count affected by treatment. This preliminary suggests possibility reduce as bedding material goat farms, without affecting animal welfare litter. However, further studies are required confirm these results under climatic conditions.HighlightsReducing does affect comfortMicrobiological beddingProvided that daily addition is guaranteed, it seems possible management costs reducing