Effect of environmental change on injuries of udder and legs in dairy cows

Injuries of udder and legs of dairy cows in a changed production environment were studied in two herds. The frequency of injuries of udder and teat skin decreased in the renovated tying stall. The stall length and also the cubicle length was too short for large cows in old cowsheds which caused lesions on the skin of udder and legs. The new concrete on floors was rough and kept the wearing of hooves moderate. The yoke tying and the low level of manger worsened the fore leg conditions in the renovated tying stall. In the new loose house the incidence of injuries did not change markedly.