Preventing and managing lameness in dairy cows

Description

Lameness in dairy cows is a major economic and welfare problem worldwide. Despite its importance there are still significant gaps in the published evidence-base, particularly on the subject of disease pathogenesis, treatment and herd interventions. None-the-less, using a systematic approach involving quantifying lameness levels, analysing recorded lesions causing lameness, evaluating risk factors and prioritising interventions it is possible to support producers in the process of improving herd foot health. This chapter reviews the published evidence underpinning control programmes for the prevention and management of lameness in dairy cows.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Lameness in dairy cows: associated pain, prevalence and incidence 3 Recording causes and ensuring prompt and effective treatment 4 Lesion aetiology and categories of risk for the four main causes of lameness in dairy cows 5 Risk assessments and cost-effective interventions 6 Conclusions: how assessment, evaluation and facilitation is driving improvement 7 Where to look for further information 8 References