Cow comfort and well-being of animals in dairy production is a frequent topic. Some have suggested that cows in larger herds are more prone to injury and lameness. This study sheds some light on the topic.
Source: Journal of Dairy Science, May 8,2016. (abstract only)
Overall, physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing, free stall-housed dairy herds provide evidence that lameness and injury are not inevitable consequences of the confinement housing of large numbers of dairy cattle. In particular, lameness prevalence rivals that of lower-production grazing systems. However, hock and other injury risk remains a concern to address through a choice in stall surface type. Use of deep, loose bedding yielded significant advantages over a mat or mattress type surface in terms of lameness, hock and knee injury, and proportion of cows with dirty udders (distinct demarcated to confluent plaques of manure). The performance benchmarks achieved by these herds may be used to set standards by which similarly managed herds may be judged using welfare audit tools.
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros working with dairy veterinary teams and dairies will appreciate the findings in this study. Consider using this information to help dairy operations fine-tune their practices.