Making strides to tackle lameness

We look at how to improve herd mobility and tackling lameness, and discuss our Confident Strides on-farm meetings.

According to Sara Pedersen (pictured), veterinary consultant at Farm Dynamics,

"One of the most significant challenges we face in the dairy industry is managing lameness in cattle."

This problem not only affects animal welfare but also has significant economic and reputational implications for farms.

Lameness, first and foremost, is an animal welfare issue. A lame cow experiences pain and discomfort, and it is our responsibility to minimise the risk of lameness to ensure that our animals can lead healthy, pain-free lives.

Lame cows are less likely to reach their milking potential, which in turn affects the overall profitability and efficiency of the farm. Lower productivity also undermines the sustainability of dairy farming, as farms must operate with lower margins and increased resource use.

As it's an easily observable condition, lameness influences public perception and consumer trust. With increasing scrutiny on animal welfare practices, it is essential for farms to address lameness proactively to maintain a positive image.

Economic impact of lameness

The financial cost of lameness on farms can vary widely, depending on its cause and severity, as well as the number of affected cows. Culling is one of the biggest contributors to overall costs. A cow with a sole ulcer has a 50% increased risk of being culled from the herd. Lameness also impacts fertility and milk yields, and treatment costs, while necessary, add another layer of expense.

To put this into perspective, the losses associated with a cow with a sole ulcer are around £1,000 and white line disease about £800. Digital dermatitis, another common cause of lameness, can cost around £100 to £125 per case.

When these costs are broken down on a daily basis, the financial impact becomes even more evident. A cow with a mobility score of 2, indicating moderate lameness, costs the farm around £2.25 per day. If the lameness progresses to a score of 3, the cost rises to £6.80 per day. Even with prompt treatment, a cow may take four to six weeks to recover fully, escalating costs further.

Reducing lameness

For farms struggling with lameness, the first step is to identify the underlying cause as it will be different on individual farms. Speak to your foot trimmer and work alongside your mobility mentor or farm vet to analyse the foot-trimming records. Find out the main lesion causing lameness and address the risk factors specific to that lesion. For example, addressing sole ulcers may involve improving cow comfort and reducing standing times, while managing digital dermatitis might require better slurry management and improved footbathing protocols.

By addressing these factors, farms can significantly reduce lameness, improve animal welfare and enhance overall farm productivity and sustainability.

Why not join us at one of our Confident Strides meetings and take steps to enhance your herd’s mobility while cows are housed?