Massagem dessensibilizadora e música reduzem o estresse e aumentam a produtividade de vacas de leite

Abstract

In dairy cattle farming, the strong interaction between humans and animals, especially during milking management, can directly influence well-being and aspects related to production. In this context, good management practices, combined with the use of tactile and auditory stimuli, can help achieve better results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of desensitizing massage and musical stimuli during milking on productive, physiological, sanitary, and welfare parameters of dairy cows. The experiment was conducted on a commercial farm characterized by low milk production. Forty crossbred dairy cows, ranging in age and body weight from 36 to 42 months and 350 to 400 kg, were randomly allocated in a 2x2 factorial design to the following treatments: (Con) - cows not exposed to stimuli; (Mas) - cows exposed to massage during milking; (Mus) - cows exposed to music during milking; (Mas+Mus) - cows exposed to both stimuli during milking. Classical music with Andante (75 to 107 BPM) and Andante Moderato (90 to 100 BPM) tempos was selected for the study, and the massage was performed on the back and udder of the females immediately after entering the milking parlor. The experiment lasted for 39 days, with the first 10 days for animal adaptation and 29 days for data collection after the introduction of sensory stimuli. Cows not exposed to any stimuli showed residual milk quantity up to 41% higher than those that received only one of the stimuli or both combined. The use of massage during milking increased respiratory rate, milking time, and subclinical mastitis scores. Cows exposed to Mas+Mus showed higher ocular temperature compared to those that received only massage, as well as shorter flight distance compared to the other treatments. The sound stimulus increased pre-milking milk dripping. Cows that received the stimuli had higher levels of serotonin, indicating an additive effect of environmental enrichment factors. The use of desensitizing massage and music during milking was effective in reducing cows' reactivity to humans and promoting improvements in well-being and productivity. Both techniques, when combined, can have additive effects on milk productivity; however, certain sanitary precautions must be taken regarding the equipment used for tactile stimuli.