This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on lameness in dairy cattle.
The first chapter provides an overview of lameness and its impact on dairy cow health and welfare. The chapter reviews existing methods for manual and automated detection of lameness, including approaches that detect changes and abnormalities in the gait, stance and behaviour of the animal, including the use of video, accelerometers and spatial positioning systems.
The second chapter discusses the aetiology of the four main causes of lameness in dairy cows: sole ulcer, white line, digital dermatitis and interdigital phlegmon. The chapter reviews the importance of prompt and effective treatments, as well as the best practices to optimise foot health to prevent the onset of lameness.
The third chapter reviews advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve resistance to claw and foot disorders, primarily lameness. It considers the various steps in breeding, from the definition of the breeding goal to genomic evaluation and data validation, as well as the consequent challenges which can develop.
The final chapter examines the impact of lameness on dairy production and highlights the importance of optimising foot health in dairy cattle to prevent the occurrence of lameness. The chapter discusses claw horn disruption and concludes with a case study on an outbreak of lameness in a herd of 800 Holstein cows.
Chapter 1 - Developments in automated systems for monitoring livestock health: lameness: Zoe E. Barker, University of Reading, UK; Nick J. Bell, University of Nottingham, UK; Jonathan R. Amory, Writtle University College, UK; and Edward A. Codling, University of Essex, UK; 1 Introduction2 Lameness and its impacts3 Lameness and behaviour4 Non-automated detection of lameness5 Automated detection of lameness using non-wearable technology6 Automated detection of lameness using animal-mounted accelerometers7 Automated detection of lameness using spatial positioning systems8 Conclusion and future trends9 Where to look for further information10 References Chapter 2 - Preventing and managing lameness in dairy cows: Nick Bell, The Royal Veterinary College, UK; 1 Introduction2 Lameness in dairy cows: associated pain, prevalence and incidence3 Recording causes and ensuring prompt and effective treatment4 Lesion aetiology and categories of risk for the four main causes of lameness in dairy cows5 Risk assessments and cost-effective interventions6 Conclusions: how assessment, evaluation and facilitation is driving improvement7 Where to look for further information8 References Chapter 3 - Advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve resistance to claw disorders/lameness: C. Egger-Danner, ZuchtData EDV-Dienstleistungen GmbH, Austria; and B. Heringstad, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norway; 1 Introduction2 Breeding goals3 Data sources of phenotypes4 Genetic evaluation5 Selection and genetic gain6 International developments in improving claw health and lameness7 Conclusion8 Future trends9 Acknowledgements10 Where to look for further information11 References Chapter 4 - Optimising foot health in dairy cattle: Nick J. Bell, The University of Nottingham, UK; 1 Introduction2 Claw horn disruption – a paradigm shift3 Aetiopathogenesis of white line bruising and lesions4 Aetiopathogenesis and control of digital dermatitis5 Summary and critical control points6 Case study7 Emerging diseases and future concepts8 Where to look for further information9 References
Since 2012 we have been working with a range of collaborators on our ongoing Cow Tracking Project. We are using novel tracking sensors to automatically monitor the movement and behaviour of dairy cows. Using the collected data, we can determine patterns of behaviour that may be indicative of changes in health, or relate to important events such as calving. We work closely with farmers and the dairy industry to ensure that our research findings can be used to improve farm efficiencies and animal welfare.
