Volume 63 (2013) Issue: 2013 No#4

Different management methods on prevalence of lameness in 25 Holstein-Friesian herds in Hungary

Author(s): Gudaj R, Brydl E, Lehoczky J, Komlósi I

Keywords:claw disorder, dairy cattle, lameness, locomotion, trimming method

Lameness in dairy cattle is the third most expensive outbreak after mastitis and reproductive disorders. 25 Holstein-Friesian herds in Hungary were observed for two years to estimate the impact of different trimming methods and managements for the controll of the incidence of lameness. Professional trimming was found to be more effective on farms with no nutritional disorders and where refurnishment works were carried out. The greatest decrease in the prevalence of lameness was observed on farms which provided professional trimming, effective footbathing, improved walking and resting surfaces and which treated severely lame cows between regular trimmings. The greatest increase in occurrence of lameness was reported on farms with on-farm trimmers and where building projects were carried out and nutritional disorders found.