Evaluation of the Physical Properties of Bedding Materials for Dairy Cattle Using Fuzzy Clustering Analysis.

Clicks: 293
ID: 100250
2020
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Abstract
The bedding materials used in dairy cow housing systems are extremely important for animal welfare and performance. A wide range of materials can be used as bedding for dairy cattle, but their physical properties must be analysed to evaluate their potential. In the present study, the physical properties of various bedding materials for dairy cattle were investigated, and different fuzzy clustering algorithms were employed to cluster these materials based on their physical properties. A total of 51 different bedding materials from various places in Europe were collected and tested. Physical analyses were carried out for the following parameters: bulk density (BD), water holding capacity (WHC), air-filled porosity (AFP), global density (GD), container capacity (CC), total effective porosity (TEP), saturated humidity (SH), humidity (H), and average particle size (APS). These data were analysed by principal components analysis (PCA) to reduce the amount of data and, subsequently, by fuzzy clustering analysis. Three clustering algorithms were tested: k-means (KM), fuzzy c-means (FCM) and Gustafson-Kessel (GK) algorithms. Furthermore, different numbers of clusters (2-8) were evaluated and subsequently compared using five validation indexes. The GK clustering algorithm with eight clusters fit better regarding the division of materials according to their properties. From this clustering analysis, it was possible to understand how the physical properties of the bedding materials may influence their behaviour. Among the materials that fit better as bedding materials for dairy cows, (Cluster 6) can be considered an alternative material.
Reference Key
ferreira-ponciano-ferraz2020evaluationanimals Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Ferreira Ponciano Ferraz, Patrícia;Araújo E Silva Ferraz, Gabriel;Leso, Lorenzo;Klopčič, Marija;Rossi, Giuseppe;Barbari, Matteo;
Journal animals
Year 2020
DOI
E351
URL
Keywords
clustering algorithm dairy cows water holding capacity gustafson–kessel alternative bedding material cattle housing systems

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