Producer Perceptions Toward Prevention and Control of Lameness in Dairy Cows in Alberta Canada: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Lameness in dairy cattle poses both an animal welfare and economic threat to dairy farms. Although the Canadian dairy industry has identified lameness as the most important health issue, lameness prevalence in the province of Alberta has not decreased over the last decade. Factors related to lameness have been reported, but the prevalence remains high. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate dairy producers' perceptions on lameness and how these perceptions influence lameness prevalence in their cows. Qualitative interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with nine dairy producers in Alberta, Canada presenting farms with a wide variety of lameness prevalence. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed five major themes, as well as five distinct types of producers regarding their perceptions. All nine producers mentioned similar challenges with lameness prevention and control. Identifying lameness, taking action, delays in achieving success, various approaches to prevention and control strategies, and differences between farms were the challenges encountered. However, producers' attitudes when dealing with these challenges varied. We concluded that understanding producers' perceptions is essential as no “one size fits all”, when advising them regarding how to address lameness, as guidance and support will be most successful when it is aligned with their viewpoint.

Partial herd hoof trimming results in a higher economic net benefit than whole herd hoof trimming in dairy herds

“…However, in the Albertan study, investigating hoof trimming strategies [ 13 ], it is not mentioned whether farmers trimmed lame cows themselves in between hoof trimming visits by a hoof trimmer. Moreover, in another Albertan study, dairy farmers reported that lameness is hard to diagnose and often only severely lame cows are recognized and might therefore be addressed differently on farms [ 18 ]. One New Zealand study addresses the issue of the interval between detection of and treatment for lameness.…”

“…With estimated costs per case of SU of US$216, SU are reported to be the most expensive non-infectious hoof lesion, with the most recent estimation of milk loss being the main contributor to the costs of SU [ 20 ]. However, we also know that not all cows diagnosed with SU have concurrent gait abnormalities or producers are unsuccessful in identifying lame cows [ 3 , 18 ].…”

“…However, a New Zealand study indicates that improvement in shortening the time between detection and treatment is needed [17]. An Alberta study also suggests that there is still an issue in recognizing lame cows that need intervention [18]. SU are associated with economic losses [19][20][21].…”