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Lameness in dairy cows: farmer perceptions and automated detection technology
Kate J Dutton-Regester1, Tamsin S Barnes1,2, John D Wright1
1The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.
The Journal of Dairy Research
|November 20, 2020
Summary
Lameness in dairy cows is a significant welfare and economic issue, yet farmers often underestimate its impact due to detection challenges. Automated lameness detection technologies show promise but require further on-farm evaluation for wider adoption.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Agricultural Economics
Background:
- Lameness in dairy cows is a prevalent health issue impacting animal welfare and herd productivity.
- Economic losses associated with lameness in dairy herds are substantial for farmers.
- Dairy farmers' perception of lameness as a critical business threat is often limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the importance of lameness in dairy cows.
- To examine dairy farmer detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lameness.
- To assess dairy farmer perceptions and the potential of automated lameness detection technologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on dairy cow lameness, farmer practices, and technology.
- Analysis of dairy farmer perceptions regarding lameness and detection tools.
- Evaluation of automated lameness detection technologies for commercial dairy herds.
Main Results:
- Lameness significantly compromises dairy cow welfare and productivity, leading to considerable economic losses.
- Dairy farmers often underestimate the severity of lameness due to difficulties in detection.
- Automated lameness detection technologies face challenges in cost, performance, and farmer acceptance, hindering adoption.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for improved lameness detection and management in dairy herds.
- Further on-farm evaluation of automated lameness detection technologies is essential.
- Demonstration farm networks can provide data to prove the reliability and economic viability of these technologies to farmers.
