The Welfare Implications of Lameness
According to the AHDB, lameness in cattle is one of the most significant welfare and productivity issues in dairy farming. Studies over the last 25 years have indicated that there has been little change in the incidence of lameness in dairy cows over that time. This is despite the increasing awareness of lameness (or mobility) problems in the dairy industry and training and accreditation for cattle foot trimming. On top of this, there has been a huge increased in understanding of how lameness can impact on cow welfare.
Lameness compromises the animals’ welfare by causing long-term pain and preventing their normal behaviour.
Lameness is a sign that the cow is suffering pain; this pain impairs their movements and has a direct influence on the behaviour of the affected individual. As well as a negative influence on the animal’s social position within the group.
Lame cows are less likely to initiate aggressive interactions, so their capacity to make themselves room to obtain food at eating times or to obtain a cubicle to lie down in when they need it, becomes impaired.
In addition, if possible, they spend more time lying down and more frequently do so outside cubicles, and spend less time eating. Their behaviour in cubicles is also altered; if the type of bed provided is not sufficiently soft, the cow becomes scared of the pain it may feel when getting up and lying down, and so they tend to remain standing for longer periods before lying down and get up less often.
Early lameness detection and treatment programmes, including appropriate pain relief, alongside prevention initiatives are vital to ensure welfare standards, and productivity, are maintained.
