Abstract: [Objective] To explore the effects of fermentation bed on the health status and production performance of dairy cows. [Methods] A fermentation bed group and a cement floor group were set up, and 21 healthy cows were selected from each group. The health condition of the body and udder, production performance, barn environment, blood routine and blood biochemical indexes, lying condition and health status of the cows were evaluated. [Results] The health condition of the body and udder of the fermented bed group was better than that of the cement floor group. The somatic cell count was significantly lower than that of cement floor group (P<0.05). The relative humidity of the barn in fermentation bed group was significantly higher than that in cement floor group (P<0.05). The concentration of ammonia in fermentation bed group was significantly lower than that in cement floor group (P<0.05). The blood glucose content of fermented bed group was significantly higher than that of cement floor group (P<0.05). The lying rate of cows in fermentation bed group was significantly higher than that in cement floor group (P<0.05). The incidence of mastitis and foot and foot disease in fermented bed group was significantly lower than that in cement floor group (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Fermentation bed can not only improve the body and udder hygiene of dairy cows, but also reduce the incidence of mastitis and foot and foot disease, and improve the production performance of dairy cows.

Key words: fermentation bed, cows, state of health, production performance