Early detection of lameness is key to controlling mobility problems.

So what is lameness? Lameness is any abnormality affecting a cow’s gait. This can be caused by a variety of feet and leg condition.

Lame cows cost time and money. On average poor mobility in dairy cows can cost the farmer £180 per case through reduced milk yield (lame cows will be reluctant to get up and feed), treatments and productivity i.e. longevity. You can work out your farm lameness cost at www.cattle-lameness.org.uk.

Many factors can cause lameness the most common being infectious diseases, poor quality housing flooring, poor cubicle design, uneven cow tracks and irregular or ineffective foot trimming.

There are many signs of lameness:

· Head nodding

· Arched back

· Uneven weight bearing on limbs

· Reduced walking speed

Early detection of lameness is key to controlling mobility problems. The most effective way to achieve this is through regular mobility scoring the score system can detect lameness early thus resulting in treatment before the problem becomes a major issue. Detecting and treating a lame cow early maximises the chance of that cow becoming sound again, the longer a lameness is left the poorer the chance of success with treatment. Mobility scoring has a scoring range from 0 – 3. For the cow to be score 0 she will have good mobility and bear weight evenly on all four feet, Score 1 she will have imperfect mobility a shortened stride but the affected limb is not immediately identifiable, Score 2 impaired mobility uneven weight bearing with a limb that is immediately identifiable, Score 3 severe impaired mobility unable to keep up with a healthy herd very lame.

Benefits of mobility scoring

· Early Detection

· Improved animal welfare

· Suitable for all herd types

· Increased performance

· Monitor and benchmark trends.

To get the most out of mobility scoring, a score of the herd should be carried out regularly ideally every 3 months by the same scorer so the results are consistent. Particular attention should be paid to the area where the scoring will be carried out the surface should be even and non-slip and enable the scorer to have a side and rear view of about 10 paces.

Demand for regular mobility scoring is increasing due to stricter measures being put in place by milk buying companies and as farm assurance becomes more stringent driven largely by consumer perception.

One of the measures in place to help improve lameness in UK dairy herds is the Register of Mobility Scorers (ROMS) this register helps to standardise mobility scoring and all scorers are trained and accredited in mobility scoring enabling them to provide a high and consistent standard of scoring.