An assessment of animal housing and environmental control systems in beef and dairy cattle farms in the Philippines

Date

1986

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess practices on housing and environmental control systems in selected beef and dairy cattle farms in the Philippines. A total of 53 ranches, 10 feedlots, six backyard beef cattle farms and 27 dairy cattle farms and 27 dairy cattle farms were studied. It was noted that weather conditions are not being monitored in practically all farms. Climatic factors are seldom considered in animal-management decisions. It was also observed that the recommended practices on animal management are seldom considered in most ranches. Farm infrastructures and production facilities are often neglected resulting in poor hard management activities. Adequate animal housing is provided in most feedlots. The open-sided housing with GI roofing, concrete floor, feed and water troughs, and GI pipe or wooden pen enclosure are used. The animals are usually raised in group pens. In backyard farms, the animals are usually tethered during the day and confined in a shed at night. In dairy farms, mature stock are usually raised indoors or indoor-outdoors using either the free-stall or the loose-housing system. Crowing calves are also raised indoors in some farms and indoor-outdoors in other farms. Suckling calves, on the other hand, are usually raised in elevated calf stalls with slatted floors, sides and partitions. As in feedlots, the open-sided housing with GI roofing, concrete floor, feed and water troughs are commonly used. The loafing areas, however, are seldom surfaced with concrete resulting in drainage and mud problems especially during the rainy season. Furthermore, it was noted that the systems and practices in some farms can be recommended for use in some areas in the Philippines. A list of researchable areas on housing and environmental control systems is also presented.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 1986 A38 M35

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