Effect of housing- and management-related stressors in late gestation and early lactation on the health, welfare, and performance of Ontario dairy cattle

Lead Applicant: Trevor DeVries

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Housing and management-related stress in dairy cows during late gestation and early lactation may lead to poor health, performance, and welfare for both cows and their offspring. This project aims to identify the prevalence of housing- and management-related stressors (including heat, stocking density, grouping, regrouping, dietary changes, and disease) on cows in late gestation and early lactation in Ontario dairy farms and relate those stressors, particularly their additive effect, to health and performance. The information gathered will be useful for identifying best management practices that will allow Ontario producers to remain profitable and increase consumer confidence.