Research on lameness in dairy cows: large differences between farms
Lameness is a major welfare issue in dairy cows. It is often associated with hoof problems and accompanied by pain. Researchers from Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, , and conducted a systematic review of relevant scientific literature to map the extent of the problem and the risk factors. Studies from Northwest Europe over the past 25 years revealed a wide variation in the percentage of cows with some form of lameness, averaging 28 percent. Important risk factors are: lack of access to pasture, concrete floors, cubicles without deep bedding, poor body condition, and higher lactation number (number of times a cow has calved).
Lameness means that cows have visible difficulty walking. There are various conditions that can lead to lameness, such as infectious hoof diseases but also physical damage to the hooves caused by, for example, unsuitable flooring.
To map the extent of the problem and relevant risk factors, the researchers analyzed available literature on lameness in dairy cows in Northwest Europe over the past 25 years, where the situation was comparable to Dutch dairy farming. Different systems are used in scientific research to determine lameness. The researchers therefore first developed a method to make different systems for locomotion scoring comparable. The developed scale (the so-called Welfare Quality equivalent) defines lameness and severe lameness based on stride length, weight-bearing of the limbs, and back posture. From the 53 selected studies on lameness, an average of 28% of cows were found to be lame, but the variation between studies and farms was remarkably large.
Reduction is feasible
The risk factors for lameness in Northwest Europe were examined on the basis of 38 studies. Important risk factors included lack of access to pasture, concrete floors, cubicles without deep bedding, poor body condition, and the higher number of times a cow has calved. According to the researchers, reducing lameness is feasible through improved housing and management. They advocate standardized, large-scale research on lameness prevalence with detailed reporting, and more studies on effective interventions to combat lameness.