Know the score when it comes to cattle lameness
Lameness in dairy herds is one of the major factors that can affect productivity and where observing the cows on a regular basis is paramount.
On average it has been estimated that half the cows in some herds have experienced lameness which impacts fertility, yield and longevity of the dairy cow.
Causes of lameness can be attributed to a number of factors such as flooring, tracks, design of cubicles, disease, nutrition, and to pinpoint the cause it is important to review the herd on a regular basis. Accurate measurements of lameness through mobility scoring enables identification and preventative measures to be put in place and built into everyday routine.
Mobility scoring assesses the cow’s ability to move easily and should be carried out at least once a month for each individual cow in the herd. It is important to undertake this at a regular time each month using a person with good observation skills.
The dairy cow should be observed walking as part of the normal routine on a flat, hard, non-slip surface from the side and rear including turning a corner.
Using a score range from 0 to 3 each cow should be assessed and recorded. The target score should be 0 with each cow seen walking evenly in rhythm on all four feet with even weight distribution, long strides and a flat back.
The other end of the scale is score 3 which identifies cows with severely impaired mobility. The cow will be showing signs of uneven weight bearing on a limb that requires attention, walking with a shortened stride and arched back, visible also when standing.
Immediate action is required for dairy cows that score 3 and 2 during a mobility scoring assessment. Professional advice and treatment will benefit the cow which should also be kept on straw or grass whilst to recover.
The key benefits of mobility scoring are:
- Improving awareness of herd foot health
- Setting a regular consistent routine on farm for observing each individual cow in the herd
- Recording, monitoring and benchmarking mobility score results
- Putting in place immediate treatment plans
Record keeping is helped by CIS with the use of YourHerd, a complete herd management programme. The software, also available as an app called MobileHerd, enables mobility scores to be recorded for each cow with filters for just the milking cows, youngstock or all animals. Information on treatment can be noted for each cow with reports to identify trends.
The Cattle Information Service offers a range of services providing data to make informed decisions about current and future herd performance. It operates a state-of-the-art laboratory in Telford that processes milk samples from 50 per cent of the dairy cows in the UK.
Bernadette Crayston is the Cattle Information Service area manager for Shropshire Midlands
