Effects of housing conditions on homeostasis and blood rheological properties of lactating cows

The effects of the tie-stall and free-stall housing systems on homeostasis and blood rheological properties in the Black-and-White cows in the first half of lactation have been evaluated. One hundred and ninety five healthy third- and fourth-calved cows were analyzed. The erythrocyte parameters of hemostasis, blood viscosity, aggregation, and deformability were assessed. The free-stall housing system for cows has resulted in a significant decrease in the platelet aggregation (by 10.4 and 9.9% for spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation, respectively) along with weakening of the plasma cell adhesion in hemostasis (INR and APTT increased by 6.9 and 23.9%, respectively). A reduction in the blood viscosity value and the erythrocyteaggregation index by 4.9% with a 2.7% increase in their deformability index was revealed. The tie-stall housing system for cows has contributed to the extent of the platelet aggregation (by 15.5 and 34.2% for spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation, respectively) and the activation of hemocoagulation (decreases in INR and APTT by 4.6 and 16.3%, respectively). The obtained results have proven the negative effects of the tie-stall housing system on the recorded rheological properties of blood.