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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
Short communication: Motivation to walk affects gait attributes
Shabnaz Mokhtarnazif1, Anne-Marieke C Smid2, Daniel M Weary2
1Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4; Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Azadi square, Mashhad, Iran. 9177948974.
Cow motivation significantly impacts gait, influencing walking speed and stride length. These effects on dairy cow gait were consistent between lame and sound animals, highlighting the role of reward in movement.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Lameness is a significant welfare concern in dairy farming.
- Gait is influenced by environmental and cow-specific factors like flooring and udder fill.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if motivation to walk affects gait attributes in dairy cows.
- To determine if this motivational effect on gait differs between lame and sound cows.
Main Methods:
- Dairy cows (7 lame, 10 sound) were trained to walk an alley for a food reward.
- Gait parameters including walking speed, stride length, head bob, and back arch were assessed.
- Cows were observed walking towards a food reward versus no reward.
Main Results:
- Cows exhibited increased walking speed and longer stride length when motivated by a food reward.
- Reduced head bob variation was observed when cows approached the reward.
- These motivational effects on gait were comparable in both lame and sound cows.
Conclusions:
- Motivation to walk positively influences key gait attributes in dairy cows.
- The study demonstrates that reward-seeking behavior affects locomotion similarly in both healthy and lame animals.
- Findings suggest that understanding motivation can inform strategies to improve dairy cow welfare and movement.
