On-Farm Welfare Assessment of Dairy Cattle (Friesian) in Nyala City, Sudan

The study assessed the welfare of 155 Friesian dairy cows across 11 farms in Nyala, Sudan, focusing on behaviors, physical and emotional states, and health conditions. Key findings revealed significant welfare issues: 21.3% of cows showed anxious behavior, 54.2% had thin body conditions, and 69.0% were affected by ectoparasites. Additionally, a notable percentage of cows had injuries, such as damaged hocks and swollen knees, and many exhibited poor cleanliness, with dirty udders and hindquarters. The study concludes that to improve cattle welfare, there is a need for enhanced education and veterinary services in the region.