Associations Between Locomotion Scores and Specific Claw Lesions in Dairy Cows from Digital Dermatitis-Infected Herds

Lameness is a significant global welfare and economic problem in dairy farming. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between various claw lesions and locomotion scores (LCS). A total of 491 cows from ten Austrian dairy farms were included in the study. Each cow's gait was individually evaluated and an ascending locomotion score ranging from 1 to 5 was assigned. Subsequently, functional hoof trimming was conducted on all cows. During this procedure the claws were examined and all lesions electronically documented. For statistical analysis, the prevalence of each LCS was calculated and the distribution of LCS in relation to parity and lactation stage examined. Additionally, a simple chi-square test and a generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) were applied to identify associations between specific types of lesions and LCSs. The results from the GLMM showed significant associations (p < 0.05) between 'other causes', thin soles and interdigital hyperplasia with acute digital dermatitis on its surface (IH-DD-M2) and an LCS ≥ 2, between DD-associated claw horn lesions, thin soles, interdigital hyperplasia IH-DD-M2 and an LCS ≥ 3, and between DD-associated claw horn lesions, IH-DD-M2, and 'infectious claw disorders' and an LCS ≥ 4. The results emphasise the importance of early and accurate detection of lameness to promptly treat underlying painful claw lesions, thereby promoting improved animal welfare.