Identifying lameness
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2 min read
Lameness is a cow health issue that requires timely detection and treatment. It affects cow welfare, takes time, energy and skill to treat. Lameness can pose a significant financial cost as lame cows produce less milk, lose weight, and take longer to get back in calf. The DairyNZ lameness scoring system helps you spot early signs and monitor cows over time.
Podcast
In this episode of Talking Dairy, host Jac McGowan discusses lameness in dairy cows with veterinarian Winston Mason and DairyNZ’s Frank Portegys, exploring its causes, costs, and prevention strategies. They share insights on spotting early signs of lameness and why prompt action can greatly reduce its impact on farms.
How to identify a lame cow
A lame cow will adjust her gait and posture differently depending on the origin of the pain in the foot or the upper limb. The same applies in cases of foot lameness depending on the specific focus of the pain within the hoof. Evaluating locomotion involves assessing the cow’s posture (e.g., back, shoulders, pelvis), movements (while rising and lying down when possible), and each limb and digit. Typically, gait evaluation can determine whether lameness is in the front or hind limb and, sometimes, whether it is in the upper limb. Once the affected limb has been identified, the cow should be properly restrained, and each limb and foot should be properly secured for a more detailed evaluation.
Lameness scoring can be used at a herd level to monitor lameness throughout the year. Carry out lameness scoring on flat, even surfaces when cows are walking at their own pace. As a prey species, cows hide pain, so early signs of lameness are subtle. Early identification and treatment is key to rapid recovery and minimising the impact on welfare and productivity. Having everyone on farm trained in lameness identification improves early detection. Get a trained professional to lameness score your herd and interpret the findings.
DairyNZ lameness scoring scale
The DairyNZ lameness scoring system rates cows on a scale of 0 (no lameness) to 3 (very lame), and provides recommended actions based on the score. When observing cows, choose a flat area where cows can walk freely. This will ensure better accuracy when using the scoring system.
Record lameness with the Healthy Hoof app.
Record every lame cow so you know what you are dealing with. You can record your observations with the Healthy Hoof app. This tool makes it easier to track and manage lameness in your herd, allowing for efficient treatment and faster recovery.
0 - Walks evenly
No action required.
1 - Walks unevenly
Minor action required. Record and keep an eye on her - some cows normally walk unevenly.
2 - Lame
Action required. This cow is lame and needs to be reported, drafted and examined within 48 hours.
3 - Very lame
Urgent action required. This cow is very lame and needs urgent attention. Draft and examine as soon as possible within 24 hours. She may require a vet.
Watch the lameness video below for detailed information about lameness scoring
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