Production Animal Lameness Flashcards
What are the problems with lameness?
It is a WELFARE ISSUE
It has economic cost
It is time consuming both in terms of treatment and management.
What are the main risk factors?
Poor awareness and skills
What are the dirct costs?
Costs of veterinary/specialist treatment and/or drugs.
Time used in treatment
Milk wasted due to drug witholding times
Reduced milk yield
What are the indirect costs?
Reduced fertility
Increased culling
Which of these types of cost have the greatest impact?
Indirect costs
What is the cause of a sole ulcer?
The distal phalanx pressing down on the corium which damages it so it no longer produces hoof. The hoof beneath this will then be worn down and not replaced resulting in a hole in the hoof
Distinguish prevalence and incidence.
Prevalence - the number of animals with lameness at that particular time (e.g. mobility scoreing)
Incidence - the number of affected animals over a period of time.
What is the cow comfort index and what is a good CCI score?
The proportion of cows standing one hour before milking.
Less than 15% is excellent
What ratio of concentrate to forage should never be exceeded?
60:40
Why do cown need enough space infront of them in a cubicle?
They need “lunge” space to get up.
What preventative measures can be taken against lameness?
a) a foot bath schedule
b) Routine trimming
c) Immediate treatment
d) Keep records
