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Effect of relocation on locomotion and cleanliness in dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 October 2007

Crafton O Wilkes ,
Kristen J Pence ,
Amanda M Hurt ,
Ondrej Becvar ,
Katharine F Knowlton ,
Michael L McGilliard  and
Francis C Gwazdauskas
Crafton O Wilkes
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Kristen J Pence
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Amanda M Hurt
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Ondrej Becvar
Affiliation:
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Katharine F Knowlton
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Michael L McGilliard
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
Francis C Gwazdauskas*
Affiliation:
Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061-0315, USA
*
*For correspondence; e-mail: guaz@vt.edu
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Abstract

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<0·01). All cows were cleaner (lower scores) after relocation, suggesting that the new facility improved hygiene.

Keywords

Hygienelocomotionrelocationdairy cow
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 75 , Issue 1 , February 2008 , pp. 19 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 2007

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