To properly assess and prevent lameness, it is essential that producers understand factors contributing to this detrimental condition.
Research groups from three Canadian provinces performed a national study to determine baseline measures related to lameness. In total, 5,637 cows housed in 141 freestall dairies were scored for lameness.
Other data was collected on individual cows (hock lesions, claw length, body condition score, parity, days in milk and milk production), management practices (floor and stall cleaning routine, bedding routine and footbath practices) and facility design (stall dimensions, stall base and bedding type, width of feed alley, flooring type and slipperiness) as aspects that can affect lameness.
The overall prevalence of lameness averaged 21 percent (range, zero to 69 percent), whereas the Canadian Dairy Code of Practice recommends lameness prevalence should remain well below 10 percent. In our study, lameness prevalence was higher in barns with very slippery flooring; however, it was clearly lower in barns that used sand or dirt as a stall base or in barns with stall bedding at least 2 cm deep (regardless of stall base).
Individual factors also had an important role, as lameness was more likely in cows with increased parity, poor body condition, injured hocks or overgrown claws.
In conclusion, to reduce lameness on Canadian dairy farms it is important to improve management of multiparous, thin and injured cows. In addition, efforts should be made to ensure that floors are not slippery and stalls are well bedded and comfortable.
Visit Canadian Dairy research Protal or The Alberta Dairy Hoof Health Project for assessment tools and resources. PD
Dairy Research for a Healthy World
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canada’s farmers. DFC works to support sustainable dairy production; facilitate solutions to provincial/national challenges; provide credible research of dairy products on a national basis; and create innovative ways to grow the market.
Laura Solano is a DVM, Ph.D. Candidate with the University of Calgary.
