Preliminary Evaluation of Two Methods for Estimating Lameness Prevalence on Western US Dairies

Authors

  • A. C. Hoffman College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • J. R. Wenz College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • J. Vanegas College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
  • D. A. Moore College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20114065

Keywords:

milking parlor, pen level variation, arched-back position, lameness, herd management

Abstract

The sampling strategy using milking parlor exit order was effective at estimating herd prevalence when samples from all pens were combined. Pen level variation requires sampling all pens. The presence of an arched-back position in cows in lock-ups predicts lameness in those cows, but these preliminary data suggest that this lameness assessment strategy underestimates herd prevalence. However, lameness assessment using arched-back position has promise for wide adoption, as it could easily be incorporated into routine herd management procedures. Further work is needed to refine and validate the arched-back method.

Cover image of the 44th Conference Proceedings: photo of the skyline of St. Louis, Missouri, site of the 2011 AABP Conference. Yellow background.

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Published

2011-09-22

Issue

2011

Section

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