Effect of flooring system on maintenance behaviours of cows

To evaluate the effect of floor on maintenance behaviours cow in loose housing system, four groups, viz. T0 (concrete covered and brick-paved open area), T1 sand bed open), T2 (rubber mat open) T3 were studied. Feeding was major activity (39–44%) day, with significant difference between groups. In area, lying standing rumination, while area idling, significantly different groups during day. During night lying-rumination (62–69%). Night standing-rumination, behaviour, Overall most time each group devoted to (45–53%) feeding (18–21%). Area wise, more occupied posture wise sitting dominated all feeding, idling standing-rumination open, (in or sleeping, total showed positive trend rubber matted (T2, T3). More sleeping seen area. Sand bedding reduced standingrumination activity, promoting sitting/lying time. Rubber matting found favourable for behaviour dairy cows.