Nonsystemic Causes of the Downer Cow Syndrome

Scientific report on the effects of farming systems on dairy cow welfare and disease

“…These include, among others, good hygiene, good bedding, non slippery floor, good protection against weather conditions, possibilities to lift a cow by artificial means etc. Sand is the preferable bedding during the maternity (Cox, 1988). Adequate maternity conditions are reviewed in Kersting, 1997 andMee, 2004. An Irish survey showed that inadequate maternity conditions are common -, approximately 80 per cent of the animals were housed in cubicles and 21 per cent of them without bedding material (Egan et al, 2001).…”

“…Maternities should have gates that are wide enough for a tractor to enter if cow lifting is necessary (Cox, 1988).…”

“…There are numerous primary causes of recumbency but pressure damage is a factor common to all downer cows (Cox, 1988). Significant pressure damage can occur after 6 hours of recumbency (Cox and Onapito, 1986;Cox et al, 1982).…”

“…Owners should realise that downer cow management is labour intensive, very similar to caring for a bedridden person (Cox, 1988) Moving a downer cow off the concrete to a suitable place has to be done with care to prevent trauma, stress and pain. The animal can be pulled onto a sheet of plywood which can be pulled (Cox, 1988;Ciszewski and Ames, 1987).…”

“…The most important aspect of treatment and prevention of lesions are to provide the most comfortable bedding and roll the cow from side to side every few hours to prevent pressure sores, ischemic muscle necrosis and nerve damage (Radostitis et al, 2000;Rebhun, 1995c;Cox, 1988;Ciszewski and Ames, 1987). Dairy cows are best placed in a comfortable wellbedded box stall prior to calving and should remain there until at least 48 h after parturition (Radostitis et al, 2000).…”