Evaluation of Buffalo Farms in Terms of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare

Abstract

This study was carried out in Yozgat province, with 728 female buffalos on 71 farms, to reveal the current status of buffalo farms in terms of biosecurity and animal welfare through face-to-face surveys, observations, and measurements. In the study, a protocol developed by the ANI (Animal Needs Index) 35L and Welfare Quality™ protocol system used in cattle was applied to evaluate the conformity of the structures and equipment of buffalo farms to animal welfare criteria, and female animals in the farms were scored individually. In barn cleaning, it was observed that 18.3% were dirty, 69% were moderately clean, and 12.6% were clean. Similar rates were also seen in cleaning the floor, feeding area, water drinking area, lying area, milking area, and equipment used. In the study, while the rates of animals with dirty udder, dirty hind leg, and dirty hind part were calculated as 47.66%, 48.94%, and 51.03% in farms with 5–10 animals, these rates were calculated as 50.07%, 51.53% and 52.01%, in farms with 11–20 animals, and 37.52%, 43.83% and 43.24% in farms with more than 21 animals. As a result, in buffalo farms in Yozgat province, generally appropriate welfare conditions are not provided according to ANI (Animal Needs Index) 35L and the Welfare Quality™ welfare measurement method. The reasons for this can be listed as lack of education, small, closed, and tied structures of farms, farming methods carried out together with cattle farming, and insufficient importance given to buffalos' feeding and care conditions.