Relationships between type of hoof lesion and behavioral signs of lameness in Holstein cows housed in tie-stall facilities

摘要

Hoof lesion type and severity may or may not influence a cow to change their gait. Previous studies have shown that the presence of a sole ulcer (SU) was associated with changes in gait score, whereas digital dermatitis (DD) and sole hemorrhage (SH) were not. In tie-stall facilities it can be difficult to assess cows for lameness using locomotion scoring. An alternative method, known as stall lameness scoring (SLS), allows observers to assess tie-stall cattle for lameness, while they are standing intheir stall, based on behavioral changes in weight bearing and foot positioning. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between hoof lesions and the behavioral changes noted during SLS assessments.