What does lameness cost dairy farmers?

Staying alert and on top of lameness cases and preventing impact in the bulk tank, particularly those milking on a robotic system, is imperative.

Despite being a top priority to reduce cases in UK herds, including industry initiatives such as ‘Lameness Month’ this July, Wynnstay dairy specialist Beth May says lameness is still one of the highest costs to a dairy business.

“Cows with a locomotion score of 2 (mildly lame, walk arched) or 3 (moderately lame, stand arched) will produce 4 to 9% less milk than a non-lame cow. This is roughly 1.5L/cow/day less. This is because a lame cow will stand more, eat less, and ultimately have less energy left over for milk production,” explains May in a recent press release.

Photo: Mark Pasveer

Costs and loss milk

“With the UK average running at 30% lame cows in the herd, this is equivalent to 48,500L less milk across a 200-cow herd (9,000L cows) and £13,600 (US$18,720) PA in lost milk. This is not considering the other long-term impacts lameness has on fertility, culling rate, number of replacements needed on-farm, additional labour, trimming, and vet’s bills.”

For robotic herds, Miss May says it is even more critical to keep a close eye on early cases. Lame cows in a robotic system are likely to need fetching more for milking, so it will impact the average number of visits and therefore milk yield.

“As you don’t see the cows walking to the parlour on a daily basis, there’s less visual inspection of the cow’s mobility and hoof condition, making it more difficult to easily pick out cows for early treatment.

To get on top of cases requires an early, proactive, preventative approach rather than reactionary cures.”

Mays explains a few ways to keep cases at bay. “Consider monthly locomotion scoring or mobility scoring sessions with a ROMS accredited scorer to assess your current level of lameness and help pick out any cows for early treatment. We would advise recording at least 10% of the herd on a monthly basis, near the exit of the robot, so you can see them walk to a cubicle or feed fence. Furthermore, assessing in low-pressure areas of the shed, such as loafing areas or wide passageways will allow you to assess cows walking freely and will give a more accurate record. Keep a track of results to monitor problem cows and those who may be borderline locomotion score.”