Effect of Rubber Mats on Comfort of Dairy Animals

In the hot and humid climate of Konkan region issue of cow comfort is ignored and hence has serious implications for barn profitability. Twelve cows were selected for study of comfort on concrete floor and rubber mat floor. The average lying down time of cows was increased on rubber mat floor from 2.00 to 4.28 h. The time required to sit and to stand the cow on rubber mat floor was less as compared to concrete floor. The average maximum number of slippage on concrete floor was observed 4.9 and on the rubber mat floor was 4.0. The average minimum number of slippage on concrete floor was 4.4 and on the rubber mat floor was 2.6. The milk production was increased by 30.4 per cent when cows were housed on rubber mat floor as compare to concrete floor due to increase in comfort.