Research Into Lameness In Dairy Cows: Large Differences Between Companies

Lameness is a significant welfare problem in dairy cows. It is often associated with hoof problems and is accompanied by pain. Researchers from Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research, and Cornell University have mapped the extent of the problem and its risk factors based on a systematic analysis of relevant scientific literature. The analyzed studies in Northwest Europe over the past 25 years revealed a wide range in the percentage of cows with some form of lameness, with an average of 28 percent.

Important risk factors include: lack of access to pasture, concrete floors, cubicles without deep bedding, poor body condition and a higher parity (number of times a cow has calved).

Lameness means that cows have visible difficulty walking. A variety of conditions can lead to lameness, such as infectious hoof diseases and physical damage to the hoofs caused by, for example, unsuitable flooring.

Research method
To map the extent of the problem and identify relevant risk factors, the researchers analyzed available literature on lameness in dairy cows in Northwest Europe over the past 25 years, a situation comparable to that of the Dutch dairy industry. Various systems are used in scientific research to determine lameness. Therefore, the researchers first developed a method to compare different locomotion scoring systems. The developed scale (the so-called Welfare Quality Equivalent) defines lameness and severe lameness based on stride length, limb weight bearing, and back posture.

From the 53 selected studies on lameness, an average of 28% of cows were lame, but the variation between studies and farms was also remarkably large.

Reduction is feasible
Risk factors for lameness in Northwest Europe were examined based on 38 studies. Significant risk factors included lack of access to pasture, concrete floors, cubicles without deep bedding, poor body condition, and the number of calves a cow has sired (parity). According to the researchers, reducing lameness is achievable through improved housing and management. They advocate for standardized, large-scale research into lameness prevalence with detailed reporting, and for more studies on effective interventions to combat lameness.