Evaluation of 14 Western Dairy Herds Using FirstStep™

Novel Tool to Troubleshoot and Prevent Lameness in Dairy Herds

Authors

  • J. M. DeFrain Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
  • M. T. Socha Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
  • D. J. Tomlinson Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
  • N. B. Cook University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094311

Keywords:

lameness, dairy cattle, risk factors, software, data assessment, FirstStep™, management program

Abstract

There is increasing need to address lameness in the dairy industry. Lameness is one of the most costly diseases in the dairy industry and continues to gain attention among consumers. Diagnosing the predominant causes of lameness requires a systematic approach to identify the important risk factors present within each dairy. FirstStep™ is a software program designed to assess key areas of a dairy known to impact lameness and provide reports that identify areas of weakness in the lameness management program. The objective of this study was to use FirstStep™ to evaluate 14 dairies in the western US.

Cover image of the 42nd Conference Proceedings: Cattle grazing in a spring field along the horizon. In the foreground, one brown cow with a triangle marking and ear tags is posing. Yellow background.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

2009

Section

Research Summaries 2