The affective state is an integrated aspect of farm animal welfare, which is understood
as the animals’ perception of their living environment and of their internal biological functioning.
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore animal-internal and external factors potentially
influencing dairy cows’ affective state. For this purpose, qualitative behavior assessments (QBA)
describing the animals’ body language were applied at herd level on 25 dairy farms. By means
of principal component analysis (PCA), scores of PC1 (QBAscores) were determined for further
analyses. From monthly milk recordings (MR) one year retrospectively, prevalences of udder and
metabolic health impairments were calculated. Factors of housing, management, and human-animal
contact were recorded via interviews and observations. A multivariable regression was calculated
following a univariable preselection of factors. No associations were found between MR indicators
and QBAscores. However, more positive QBAscores were associated with bedded cubicles or straw
yards compared to raised cubicles, increased voluntary stockperson contact with the cows, and
fixation of cows during main feeding times, the latter contributing to the explanatory model, but not
being significant. These results underline the importance of lying comfort, positive human-animal
relationship and reduction of competition during feeding for the well-being of dairy cows.