Perceptions and risk factors for lameness on organic and small conventional dairy farms

Abstract

Lameness is an important multifactorial disease that affects dairy cattle on both organic (ORG) and conventional (CON) farms. The objective of this study was to characterize perception of lameness and identify risk factors for lameness prevalence on ORG and similarly-sized CON farms. Dairy herds (n=292) were enrolled across 3 states (NY, OR, WI), with CON herds enrolled based on similar herd size and location of ORG herds. During a single herd visit, information was collected about management practices and lameness events occurring in the previous 60 d, and paperwork was left to record lameness events during the 60 d after the visit. During the herd visit, study personnel scored cows for body condition, lameness, and hock condition. For analysis, CON herds were further divided into CON grazing and CON nongrazing. A Poisson regression model was used to assess risk factors for prevalence of cows scored lame. On these relatively small, lower producing farms, the prevalence of lameness in cows scored by study personnel was less than previously reported for larger, higher producing dairy herds located in the United States. Prevalence of lameness was weakly and positively correlated with the rate of lameness calculated using farmer records. Researchers observed lame cows on some farms where farmers perceived that lameness never occurred. An increased prevalence of cows scored lame by study personnel was associated with an increased prevalence of hock lesions, use of CON nongrazing management, and routine use of a footbath. Multiple strategies may be used to manage lameness on farms, including increasing farmer perception of lameness and reduction in exposure of cows to risk factors that contribute to development of lameness.

Comparison of selected animal observations and management practices used to assess welfare of calves and adult dairy cows on organic and conventional dairy farms

“…The prevalence of lameness observed for cattle in herds enrolled in this study was less than previously observed in studies that have used larger, more intensively managed herds (Cook, 2003;Fulwider et al, 2008) but only 43% of enrolled herds would have met the FARM and AHA requirements for lameness scores. Richert et al (2013b) previously reported that farmers enrolled in this study perceived less lameness than was observed by study personnel; thus, improved awareness of lameness is necessary to implement effective preventive management programs.…”

Bestandsprobleme mit möglicher Beteiligung von Clostridium botulinum in bayerischen Milchkuhbetrieben

“…Es besteht die große Gefahr, dass das Ausmaß einer Lahmheitsproblematik in einem Betrieb dadurch deutlich unterschätzt wird. Da auch Landwirte dazu neigen, die Anzahl lahmer Tiere zu unterschätzen (16,39), kann dies zu chronischen und unter Umständen komplizierten Verläufen mit Abmagerung der betroffenen Tiere führen.…”

Scientific Opinion on the assessment of dairy cow welfare in small‐scale farming systems

“…Organic farms are generally associated with less frequent veterinary visits and use less outside support (e.g. nutritionist) than conventionally managed farms (Valle et al, 2007;CicconiHogan et al, 2013;Richert et al, 2013a) and so fewer veterinary-treated cases of disease are reported in organic than in conventional farms (Hardeng and Edge, 2001;Hamilton et al, 2002;Bennedsgaard et al, 2003;Valle et al, 2007;Mayen et al, 2010) and organic farmers are more likely to initiate therapy themselves (with no veterinarian involvement) using alternative treatments (Hamilton et al, 2002;Vaarst et al, 2006;Valle et al, 2007).…”