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Evaluating an intervention to reduce lameness in dairy cattle
D C J Main1, K A Leach, Z E Barker
1School of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom. d.c.j.main@bristol.ac.uk
Journal of Dairy Science
|May 23, 2012
Summary
Reducing lameness in UK dairy cattle is achievable. Farms receiving monitoring and additional support (MS) showed greater lameness reduction over time compared to monitoring only (MO) farms, indicating effective intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare
- Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Management
Background:
- Lameness in dairy cattle is a significant welfare issue in the UK.
- Previous interventions have focused on technical advice, with varying success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel intervention approaches for reducing lameness in UK dairy farms.
- To compare the effectiveness of monitoring only (MO) versus monitoring and additional support (MS) interventions.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year study involving 189 UK dairy farms.
- Farms were assigned to either MO or MS groups.
- MS group received technical advice, facilitation, and social marketing principles.
Main Results:
- Lameness prevalence decreased in both MO and MS farms from initial to final visits.
- The reduction in lameness over time was significantly greater in the MS group.
- MS farms implemented more husbandry changes (8.2) than MO farms (6.5).
Conclusions:
- Intervention strategies incorporating additional support can enhance lameness reduction in dairy cattle.
- Further research is needed to optimize approaches for lameness reduction on UK dairy farms.
