Effect of relocation on locomotion and cleanliness in dairy cows

• Published in: Journal of dairy research 2008-02, Vol.75 (1), p.19-23
• Main Authors: Wilkes, Crafton O, Pence, Kristen J, Hurt, Amanda M, Becvar, Ondrej, Knowlton, Katharine F, McGilliard, Michael L, Gwazdauskas, Francis C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal Husbandry; Animal productions; animal transport; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle - physiology; Dairy cattle; dairy cow; dairy cows; Female; Food industries; free stalls; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gait; General aspects; Holstein; Hygiene; Hygiene and safety; Jersey; lactation number; lameness; Locomotion; locomotion score; Relocation; Terrestrial animal productions; Transportation; Vertebrates
• ISSN: 0022-0299; 1469-7629
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022029907002865

This study was conducted to determine the effect that relocation to a new free stall barn had on locomotion and cleanliness of two breeds of dairy cows. The original facility before relocation had cows housed in an 8-row free stall barn. Cows were allocated in a new 4-row free stall facility: cows of two breeds (n=22 Holsteins and 22 Jerseys) were intermixed in the northwest section. Locomotion (scale 1–5) and cleanliness were scored (scale 1–4). Holsteins and Jerseys had no difference in locomotion score throughout 12 weeks following relocation. A lactation number by date interaction showed cows in third and greater lactations had significantly higher locomotion scores (more lameness) by day 86. Locomotion scores increased across breeds during the 86-d observation period, suggesting cows became lamer. Jerseys had cleaner lower legs than Holsteins (2·9±0·1 v. 3·5±0·1, respectively). Lactation number affected lower leg cleanliness, with scores decreasing as lactation number increased (3·4 v. 3·3 v. 2·9±0·10 for first, second and third and greater lactations, respectively; P