Dairy cows change locomotion score and sensitivity to pain with trimming and infectious or non-infectious lesions

The aim of the presented study was to validate a three-point locomotion score (LS) classifying lameness in dairy cows. Therefore, locomotion of 144 cows was scored and data on claw lesions were collected during hoof trimming. Based on latter data a cluster analysis was performed to objectively classify cows into three groups (Cluster 1–3). Finally, the congruence between scoring system and clustering was tested using Krippendorff’s α reliability. In total, 63 cows (43.7 per cent) were classified as non-lame (LS1), 38 (26.4 per cent) were rated as LS2 with an uneven gait and 43 (29.9 per cent) cows were ranked as clearly lame (LS3). In comparison, hoof-trimming data revealed 64 cows (44.4 per cent) to show no diagnosis, 37 (25.7 per cent) one diagnosis, 33 animals (22.9 per cent) two diagnoses and 10 (7.0 per cent) more than two. Comparing the respective categorisation received by either the cluster analysis or LS in between groups, a high correspondence (79.4 per cent and 83.7 per cent) could be found for LS1 and cluster 1 as well as for LS3 and cluster 3. Only LS2 had partial agreement (21.1 per cent) to cluster 2. However, Krippendorff’s α was 0.75 (95 per cent CI 0.68 to 0.81), indicating a good degree of reliability. Therefore, the results of this study suggested that the presented LS is suitable for classifying the cows’ state of lameness representing their claw diseases.

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The effect of diet and housing on the development of sole haemorrhages, white line haemorrhages and heel erosions in Holstein heifers

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1357729800009747 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 9-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

C. T. Livesey ◽

T. Harrington ◽

A. M. Johnston ◽

S. A. May ◽

J. A. Metcalf

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Scoring System ◽

Post Partum ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Lesion Score ◽

White Line ◽

Analysis Of Results ◽

Foot Lesions ◽

Locomotion Score

AbstractHaemorrhagic lesions, heel erosions and changes in foot conformation have been associated with husbandry, underfoot conditions and nutrition of dairy cows.These characteristics were monitored in 40 heifers in a 2 × 2 factorial design starting in the last trimester of pregnancy and continuing until 12 weeks post partum. Primary treatments were housing in straw yards or cubicles and secondary treatments were alternative complete diets given during lactation which differed in concentrate: forage ratio. A scoring system was developed for each of the foot lesions to allow statistical analysis of results. Locomotion scoring was carried out weekly.White line haemorrhages, sole haemorrhages and heel erosions were all present before calving. White line haemorrhages were exacerbated by housing in cubicle yards and alleviated by housing in straw yards (P < 0·001) with an interaction between diet and housing around calving (P < 0·05). Sole haemorrhages were exacerbated both by housing in cubicle yards (P < 0·01) and the high concentrate diet (P < 0·01) with an interaction between diet and housing around calving (P < 0·05). Heel erosions were exacerbated (P < 0·05) by housing in straw yards but not affected by diet. Sole haemorrhage and heel erosion scores generally increased during early lactation (P < 0·001) independent of the treatments. There was evidence that these foot lesions were not caused by laminitis. There was a higher incidence of lameness for heifers given the high concentrate diet but no correlation between locomotion score and the type of lesion or lesion score.

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The effect of biotin supplementation on the mechanical properties of the hoof horn and lameness in dairy cows

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200008565 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 2002 ◽

pp. 200-200

Author(s):

B. Winkler ◽

J. K. Margerison

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Critical Role ◽

Poor Quality ◽

White Line ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Epidermal Tissue ◽

Keratin Filaments ◽

Quantitative Changes ◽

Biotin Supplementation ◽

Locomotion Score

Biotin plays a critical role in the differentiation of epidermal tissue, in the fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Qualitative and quantitative changes in the synthesis of keratin filaments, interruption of the co-ordination from keratinisation until cornification and intercellular cementing substance of poor quality occur in the hoof horn of biotin deficient calves (Mulling et al., 1999). The addition of supplementary biotin in diets has been found to significantly increase hoof hardness and reduce lameness of cows (Schmid, 1995; Fitzgerald et al., 2000). The aim of this experiment was to compare changes in locomotion score and lesion score with the results of mechanical testing of the sole and white line horn in cows supplemented and not supplemented with biotin.

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Factors influencing the attitudes of cattle veterinarians, farmers, and claw trimmers towards the pain associated with the treatment of sole ulcers and the sensitivity to pain of dairy cows

The Veterinary Journal ◽

10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.01.016 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 200 (1) ◽

pp. 38-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Johanna Becker ◽

Martin Reist ◽

Adrian Steiner

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Sole Ulcers ◽

Sensitivity To Pain

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The effect of digital lesions and floor type on locomotion score in Dutch dairy cows

Preventive Veterinary Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.prevetmed.2008.08.004 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 88 (2) ◽

pp. 150-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

K. Frankena ◽

J.G.C.J. Somers ◽

W.G.P. Schouten ◽

J.V. van Stek ◽

J.H.M. Metz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Locomotion Score

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Using the Footfall Sound of Dairy Cows for Detecting Claw Lesions

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9030078 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 78 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nina Volkmann ◽

Boris Kulig ◽

Nicole Kemper

Keyword(s):

Standard Deviation ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Gait Pattern ◽

Piezoelectric Sensors ◽

Automated Diagnosis ◽

First Results ◽

Claw Lesions ◽

Sensitivity To Pain ◽

Sound Data

An important factor for animal welfare in cattle farming is the detection of lameness. The presented study is part of a project aiming to develop a system that is capable of an automated diagnosis of claw lesions by analyzing the footfall sound. Data were generated from cows walking along a measurement zone where piezoelectric sensors recorded their footfall sounds. Locomotion of the animals was scored and they were graded according to a three-scale scoring system (LS1 = non-lame; LS2 = uneven gait; LS3 = lame). Subsequently, the cows were examined by a hoof trimmer. The walking speed across the test track was significantly higher in cows with LS1 compared to those with LS2 and LS3 and thus, they were showing a smoother gait pattern. The standard deviation of volume (SDV) in the recorded footfall sound signal was considered as a factor for the force of a cow’s footsteps. Cows with non-infectious claw lesions showed lower SDV than healthy cows and those with infectious claw diseases. This outcome confirmed the hypothesis that the evaluated cows affected by non-infectious claw lesions have a greater sensitivity to pain and demonstrate a less forceful gait pattern. These first results clearly show the potential of using footfall sound analysis for detecting claw lesions.

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Association between somatic cell count and serial locomotion score assessments in UK dairy cows

Journal of Dairy Science ◽

10.3168/jds.2011-4276 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 94 (9) ◽

pp. 4383-4388 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

S.C. Archer ◽

M.J. Green ◽

A. Madouasse ◽

J.N. Huxley

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Somatic Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

Somatic Cell Count ◽

Locomotion Score

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The effect of hoof lesion severity on stride characteristics of early lactation Holstein dairy cows measured using locomotion scoring and computerised motion analysis

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200020834 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2007 ◽

pp. 180-180

Author(s):

N. Blackie ◽

E.C.L. Bleach ◽

J.R. Amory ◽

C.R. Nicholls ◽

J.R Scaife

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Stride Length ◽

Scoring Systems ◽

Accurate Information ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Hoof Lesions ◽

Kinematic Studies ◽

Sole Ulcers ◽

Locomotion Score ◽

Holstein Dairy Cows

Kinematic assessment of gait has been widely used in sports and equine science, this method gives objective and accurate information on the movement of the subject. Most locomotion scoring systems incorporate stride length however this is subjective and is difficult to compare observers. Kinematic studies have shown that cows with sole ulcers have a shorter stride length than those showing no hoof lesions (Flower et al, 2005). Telezhenko and Bergsten (2005) found a similar effect with moderately lame cows having a shorter stride length measured objectively from footprints than non lame cows. Increased locomotion score can also affect the tracking distance of the animal (Telezhenko and Bergsten, 2005). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing locomotion score on stride length and tracking distance of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation.

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