North
West New York
Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Team
Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Team
Jerry Bertoldo, DVM, Sr. Extension Associate, Dairy
The connection between diseases and cow performance is not always a logical one. It is easy to visualize the impact on milk production when a cow is lame enough to have trouble getting what she needs to eat. What about lameness and pregnancy?
A joint NYS Veterinary College and Cornell Cooperative Extension field study was conducted on 5 New York dairies over a 20 month period. It found significant impact on reproduction from lameness.
Lameness Scoring: Cows were categorized using the Visual Lameness Scoring (VLS) system. Here a “1” indicates a perfectly sound animal while a “5” denotes a painfully lame and non-weight bearing situation. At a score of three, cattle become noticeably lame. Even when standing they have an arched back and will shift weight away from the bad foot.
Results: Cows scored at 3 or greater were 15% less likely to become pregnant than those given a score of 1 or 2. Cows with scores of 4 or 5 were 24% less likely to become pregnant.
The average number of lame cows with a score of 3 or greater in the US is estimated to be between 25-30%. Other studies have claimed these lame cows to be 15 times more likely to have increased days open and 8 times more likely to be culled for reproductive failure. The direct cost calculated from associated milk loss and treatment costs have been pegged at $350 per case. The cost to the dairy industry is enormous.
Prevention: Regular, programmed trimming of all cows hooves in addition to as needed attention to lame ones makes economic sense. Trimming prior to freshening is ideal. It alleviates any hoof problems and related stress as springing heifers and dry cows enter the crucial transition period. Many farms now trim an additional time somewhere in mid-lactation. Keeping cows feet level and at the correct angle has been shown to minimize a multitude of hoof problems. Keep in mind the original insult to the hoof occurs weeks before lameness is obvious.
For more information of preventing lameness and associated reproduction problems, contact me. See the front inside cover for contact information.
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