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D M Weary - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lameness and Hock injuries improve on farms participating in an assessment program
Veterinary Journal, 2014Co-Authors: N Chapinal, D M Weary, L Collings, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract Lameness and Hock injuries are recognized welfare and production problems in the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to describe changes in the prevalence of these ailments in 15 freestall herds in the Northeastern United States that participated in an on-farm assessment program. Prevalence was assessed in a high-producing pen in each herd. A confidential report was delivered to each of the farms showing prevalence in relation to other herds assessed within the same region. The average (±SD) period between visits was 11.5 ± 4.4 months (range, 8–25 months). The prevalence of lameness decreased in most herds after the first assessment (mean difference ± SE [range] = −17 ± 4 % [−43 to 6]). An even larger improvement was seen in the prevalence of Hock injuries with all farms showing a decrease (−38 ± 6% [−1 to −87]). The degree of improvement observed at the second assessment was greatest for those farms that had higher lameness prevalence when first assessed, but this was not the case for Hock injuries. The changes in prevalence of clinical lameness and overall Hock lesions were, however, correlated (ρ = 0.62). These results suggest that monitoring and reporting the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries to farmers can motivate changes in facilities and management targeted to address these ailments.
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risk factors for lameness and Hock injuries in holstein herds in china
Journal of Dairy Science, 2014Co-Authors: N Chapinal, D M Weary, Y Liang, Y Wang, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract The objective was to investigate the association between herd-level management and facility design and the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries in high-producing dairy cows on commercial freestall farms in China. Housing and management measures, such as stall design, bedding type, and milking routine were collected for the high-producing pen in 34 farms in China. All cows in the pen were gait scored using a 5-point scale, and evaluated for Hock injuries using a 3-point scale. Measures associated with the proportion of clinically (score ≥3) or severely (score ≥4) lame cows, and the proportion of cows having at least a minor Hock injury (score ≥2) or severe injury (score = 3) at the univariable level were submitted to multivariable general linear models. The prevalence [mean ± SD (range)] of clinical and severe lameness were 31 ± 12 (7–51) and 10 ± 6% (0– 27%), respectively, and the prevalence of cows with at least a minor Hock injury and with severe injuries was 40 ± 20 (6 – 95) and 5 ± 9% (0 – 50%), respectively. The prevalence of clinical lameness and severe lameness decreased with herd size (estimate = −0.35 ± 0.09% for a 100-cow increase for clinical lameness; estimate = 0.15 ± 0.06% for a 100-cow increase for severe lameness). Prevalence increased with barn age >9 yr (estimate = 12.73 ± 4.42% for clinical lameness; estimate = 5.79 ± 2.89% for severe lameness). These 2 variables combined explained 49% of the variation in clinical lameness and 30% of the variation in severe lameness. The prevalence of all Hock injuries and severe Hock injuries decreased with deep bedding (estimate = −20.90 ± 5.66% for all Hock injuries; estimate = −3.65 ± 1.41% for severe Hock injuries) and increased with barn age >9 yr (estimate = 16.68 ± 7.17% for all Hock injuries; estimate = 6.95 ± 1.75% for severe injuries). These 2 variables explained 52 and 58% of the variation, respectively. In conclusion, large variation existed across farms in prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries. Changes in housing and management may help control the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries in the emerging dairy industry in China.
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herd level risk factors for Hock injuries in freestall housed dairy cows in the northeastern united states and california
Journal of Dairy Science, 2013Co-Authors: A K Barrientos, D M Weary, N Chapinal, E Galo, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between management and facility design factors and the prevalence of Hock injuries in high-producing dairy cows in 76 freestall herds in the northeastern United States (NE-US; Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania) and California (CA). One group of high-production multiparous cows was monitored on each farm, and data on management, facility and stall design, and the conditions of the Hocks were collected. Focal cows [n=38±3 (mean ± standard deviation)] were evaluated for Hock injuries using a 3-point scale (where 1=healthy and 3=evidently swollen or severe injury). Measures associated with the proportion (logit-transformed) of cows having injuries (score ≥2) or severe injuries (score=3) at the univariable level were submitted to multivariable general linear models. In NE-US, overall Hock injuries increased with the percentage of stalls with fecal contamination [odds ratio (OR)=1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–1.54, for a 10% increase], and with the use of sawdust as bedding (OR=3.47; CI=1.14–10.62), and decreased with deep bedding (i.e., at least 10cm depth of any type of bedding; OR=0.05; CI=0.02–0.14), use of sand as bedding (OR=0.06; CI=0.02–0.15), bedding dry matter (DM) ≥83.9% (OR=0.08; CI=0.03–0.20), and access to pasture during the dry period (OR=0.17; CI=0.05–0.53). When these variables were submitted to a multivariable model, the presence of deep bedding was the only factor that remained significant, explaining 54% of the variation in overall injuries. Severe Hock injuries increased with the use of automatic scrapers (OR=2.29; CI=1.11–4.71) and the percentage of stalls with fecal contamination (OR=1.14; CI=1.00–1.31, for a 10% increase), and decreased with sand bedding (OR=0.22; CI=0.10–0.49), deep bedding (OR=0.24; CI=0.11–0.52), bedding DM ≥83.9% (OR=0.28; CI=0.14–0.58), and access to pasture during the dry period (OR=0.42; CI=0.18–0.97). The final multivariable model, which explained 36% of the variation in severe Hock injuries, included the use of automatic scrapers and deep bedding. In CA, stall stocking density (OR=1.41; CI=1.00–2.01, for a 10% increase) and poor bedding maintenance (OR=1.08; CI=1.01–1.16, for a 2.5-cm decrease in depth of deep-bedded stalls) were associated with an increase of overall and severe Hock injuries, respectively. Deep-bedded and well-maintained stalls reduce the risk of Hock injuries. Regional variation in risk factors for these injuries should be considered when formulating on-farm recommendations.
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associations between cow hygiene Hock injuries and free stall usage on us dairy farms
Journal of Dairy Science, 2010Co-Authors: J E Lombard, M A G Von Keyserlingk, Cassandra B Tucker, C A Kopral, D M WearyAbstract:This cross-sectional study evaluated cow comfort measures in free stall dairies across the United States as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2007 study. The study was conducted in 17 states and evaluations were completed between March 5 and September 5, 2007. Assessors recorded hygiene and Hock scores, number of cows housed in the pen, the number of cows standing with only the front feet in a stall, standing fully in a stall, and lying in a stall. Facility design measures included bedding type, bedding quantity, stall length and width, presence of a neck rail or brisket locator, and relevant distances from the rear and bed of the stall. Of the 491 operations that completed the cow comfort assessment, 297 had Holstein cows housed in free stalls and were included in this analysis. Negative binomial models were constructed to evaluate the following outcomes: the number of cows that were very dirty, had severe Hock injuries, stood with front feet in the stall, stood with all feet in the stall, and were lying in the stall. Hygiene was better on farms that did not tail dock cows compared with those that did (5.7 vs. 8.8% were dirty) and on farms located in the study's west region compared with those located in the east region (5.2 vs. 9.7% were dirty). Severe Hock injuries were less common on farms in the west than those in the east (0.5 vs. 4.1%). In addition, severe Hock injuries were less common on farms that used dirt as a stall base or sand as bedding compared with farms that did not. A higher percentage of cows was standing with front feet in the stall at higher ambient temperatures (incidence rate ratio = 1.016) and as time since feeding increased (incidence rate ratio = 1.030). A lower percentage of cows were standing with front feet in the stall when the stalls were shorter and when there were fewer cows per stall. Standing fully in a stall was performed by a higher percentage of cows during the summer than during the spring (13.6 vs. 8.1%), when cows were provided free stalls with rubber mats or mattresses, and as the distance from the rear curb to neck rail increased. A higher percentage of cows were lying in a stall when sand bedding was used, when bedding was added more frequently, and during the spring months. Results of this national survey indicate that tail docking provides no benefit to cow hygiene and that stall base and bedding are key factors influencing Hock injuries and stall usage on US free stall dairy farms.
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Hock lesions and free stall design effects of stall surface
Fifth International Dairy Housing Conference for 2003, 2003Co-Authors: L Mowbray, T Vittie, D M WearyAbstract:An important criterion in the design of any housing systems is that the facilities do not causeinjuries to the animals. Unfortunately, skin lesions on the Hocks of dairy cattle are common insome housing systems. In this paper we describe the results from three experiments assessing theeffects of free-stall design on the development of Hock lesions. In the first experiment, wecompared cows stalls fitted with geotextile mattresses versus stalls bedded with 20 + cm of sand.All other aspects of the stalls were identical. Cows in both treatment groups started the experimentwith few lesions, but lesions developed rapidly over the 6 weeks of the trial. Average( + or nonsymmetricalSE) lesion size on the tarsal joint, or Hock, was larger for cows using mattresses thanfor cows using the deep-bedded sand stalls (3.51 1.93 vs. 0.31 + 0.53 cm2), but the reverse wastrue for lesions on the tuber calcis, or point of the Hock, (0.69 + 1.06 vs. 7.90 3.36 cm2). In asecond experiment we tested if an additive to the bedding could be used to reduce friction and,therefore, reduce lesions on cows using mattresses. We found no differences in lesions on cowsusing stalls bedded with sawdust only versus those using stalls bedded with a combination ofsawdust and 325-mesh limestone flour. In Experiment 3, we again compared stalls with deepbeddedsand versus geotextile mattresses, but in this case the mattresses were recessed 5 cm belowthe level of the curb and covered with 3-5 cm of sand. Using this installation of mattresses, wefound that lesions on the tarsal joint did not differ between the two types of stall. However, againwe found that lesions on the tuber calcis were larger on cows using the deep-bedded stalls (14.12 5.22 vs. 1.32 + 1.77 cm2 for cows using the recessed mattresses), probably from increased contactwith the cement curb at the rear of the stall. In conclusion, skin lesions on both the tarsal joint andtuber calcis develop rapidly with effects of bedding differences apparent after 3 to 6 weeks.Adding limestone flour to sawdust on mattresses did not reduce lesions. However, mattressesresulted in fewer lesions compared to deep-bedded stalls if mattresses were recessed severalcentimeters below the curb allowing for more bedding.
J N Huxley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The prevalence of Hock lesions in UK dairy cattle and the significance of risk factors associated with the development of the condition
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science, 2020Co-Authors: S L Potterton, Kate Millar, J Harris, H R Whay, M Green, J N HuxleyAbstract:The term Hock lesion describes incidences of hair loss, thickened skin, wounds, scabs, and swellings occurring over the tarsal joint. Hock lesions in dairy cattle are a widespread problem around the world. In the UK, a recent study found approximately 99% of examined cows had at least some callused area over a Hock (Haskell et al., 2006). The presence of Hock lesions is correlated with injuries of the teat, carpal joints and skin, as well as increases in mobility score, high somatic cell counts, a greater incidence of clinical mastitis, and higher culling and annual death rates. Differences in the prevalence and severity of Hock lesions according to the lying surface and cubicle design have been identified. Cow-related factors and management variables have also been postulated as possible risk factors. Recognition of the condition and practical solutions aimed at resolving it have however, been limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hock lesions in lactating cattle on dairy farms in the East Midlands of the UK, and the significance of potential risk factors in the development of the lesions.
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area of Hock hair loss in dairy cows risk factors and correlation with a categorical scale
Veterinary Journal, 2015Co-Authors: J N Huxley, S L Potterton, M J Green, Christopher J Brignell, Abdul Rahman Othman, Jasmeet KalerAbstract:Data from 3691 dairy cows from 76 farms were used to investigate the risk factors associated with area of hair loss over the lateral aspect of the Hock, and the correlation between the area of hair loss as calculated using a Hock map and Hock lesion scores determined using a pre-existing categorical scale. Six factors were associated with a greater area of hair loss, including cows with locomotion score 3, a cleanliness score (10-18/28), high daily milk yield (25.1 - 58.1 kg), poor body condition score (1-1.5), duration of winter housing (≥41 days) and some combinations of cubicle base and bedding materials. Compared with cows housed in cubicles with a concrete base and whole straw or rape straw bedding, cows housed in cubicles with concrete bases with sand or chopped straw bedding had smaller areas of hair loss and cows housed on a mattress base with whole straw or rape straw bedding had a larger area of hair loss. Area of hair loss, as measured on Hock maps, was not significantly different between cows with score 1 (median=23.6 cm2) and score 2 (median=20.3 cm2) on the categorical scale for Hock lesions. This suggests that the categorical scale was not reflecting the extent of hair loss and that Hock maps are a good alternative for studying the dynamics of Hock lesions over time. Further work is required to explore the aetiology of Hock lesions and find better ways to control this common condition. Keywords: Hock lesions; Hair loss; Dairy cow; Welfare; Hock maps
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prevalence and characterisation of and producers attitudes towards Hock lesions in uk dairy cattle
Veterinary Record, 2011Co-Authors: S L Potterton, M J Green, Kate Millar, Christopher J Brignell, J Harris, H R Whay, J N HuxleyAbstract:The objectives of this paper were to characterise lesions found at the Hock and to establish their prevalence across a large sample of dairy cows in the UK. In addition, the study aimed to examine farmers' perceptions of these lesions. Seventy-seven farms were visited; both Hocks on a random sample of approximately 50 cows were scored on a categorical scale for hair loss, ulceration and swelling. In addition, the size and location of lesions were marked on a Hock map. A questionnaire designed to explore attitudes towards lesions was conducted with the owner. Hair loss and ulceration were seen at five locations. Hair loss was identified on 5,619 of 6,896 Hocks (mild: 43.7 per cent; moderate: 25.1 per cent; severe: 12.6 per cent) and 1,137 of 6,896 Hocks had areas of ulceration (mild: 8.6 per cent; moderate: 5.8 per cent; severe: 2.1 per cent). The majority of lesions were small; however, a small proportion had extensive areas of hair loss (maximum size 113.3 cm2) and ulceration (maximum size 95.5 cm2). Moderate swelling was recorded on 20 per cent of Hocks, and 2.0 per cent had severe swelling. Interview results suggested that more than 90 per cent of participants were aware of Hock lesions and a third had sought treatment for them; most felt that lesions had at least some impact on productivity and welfare.
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risk factors associated with hair loss ulceration and swelling at the Hock in freestall housed uk dairy herds
Journal of Dairy Science, 2011Co-Authors: S L Potterton, M J Green, Kate Millar, J Harris, H R Whay, J N HuxleyAbstract:The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with 3 presentations of Hock lesions (hair loss, ulceration, and swelling) in freestall-housed lactating cattle. By independent identification and scoring of, and analysis of the factors associated with, hair loss, ulceration, and swelling, the aim was to identify whether risk factors were common to all 3, or differed among the presentations. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 76 herds in the UK during the winter housing period of 2007 to 2008, with a total of 3,691 cows examined for Hock lesions. A randomly selected sample of approximately 50 cows in each herd were scored for body condition, lameness, cleanliness, rising behavior, and lesions at the Hocks. For all cows, hair loss, ulceration, and swelling were scored separately on 4-point scales, with both left and right Hocks scored. Based on a review of the literature, potential risk factors were identified and measured, collected from milk-recording data, or obtained through interviews with the farmers. Risk factors associated with Hocks lesions in cattle were examined using data from the 2,982 cows housed in the 63 freestall-housed herds visited. Risk factors for each of the 3 lesion presentations were considered separately in multilevel logistic regression models, with moderate or severe hair loss, any degree of ulceration, and moderate or severe swelling as the outcome variables. Thirty risk factors were identified, none of which were common to all 3 lesion presentations. Five risk factors (locomotion score, number of days of winter housing, mean milk yield, freestall base material, and herd size) were common to both hair loss and ulceration. The stall bedding material was a common risk factor for both hair loss and swelling. A further 8, 5, and 11 risk factors were unique to hair loss, ulceration, and swelling, respectively. The existence of several differential risk factors between the 2 lesion presentations suggests that ulceration may not always be a direct extension of hair loss, as has been implied in previous scoring systems. Of the 12 risk factors associated with swelling, only 1 was common to another lesion presentation, which suggests that swelling may have a different etiology than hair loss and ulceration. The variables associated with the lesions indicate the importance of factors that affect the lying and rising behavior of the animal, including freestall structure and design, and the lying surface.
A M De Passille - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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prevalence of and risk factors for Hock and knee injuries on dairy cows in tiestall housing in canada
Journal of Dairy Science, 2016Co-Authors: C G R Nash, D F Kelton, T J Devries, E Vasseur, J Zaffino C Heyerhoff, V Bouffard, D Pellerin, J Rushen, A M De Passille, D B HaleyAbstract:Abstract Leg injuries on dairy cows are a common and highly visible welfare concern on commercial dairy farms. With greater attention being placed on food animal welfare and limited research being conducted on tiestall farms, this study aimed to identify prevalence and risk factors for Hock and knee injuries on dairy cows housed in tiestall barns in Ontario (n=40) and Quebec (n=60). A sample of 40 cows was purposively selected per farm and several animal- and farm-based measures were taken. Both Hocks and both knees on each cow were scored as injured (presence of lesions or swelling) or not injured (no alterations or hair loss), and the highest score of each of the 2 knees and the 2 Hocks was considered the cow's Hock or knee score. Possible animal- and farm-based risk factors were incorporated into 2 separate multivariable logistic models for Hock injuries and knee injuries respectively at the cow level. Mean (±SD) percentage of cow with Hock injuries per farm was found to be 56±18% and mean percentage of knee injuries per farm was found to be 43±23%. Animal-based factors found to be associated with a greater odds of Hock injuries at the cow level were increased days in milk (DIM), lower body condition score (BCS), lameness, higher parity, higher cow width, median lying bout duration, and median number of lying bouts. Environmental factors found to be associated with Hock injuries at the cow level were province, stall width, tie rail position, stall base, chain length, and age of stall base. Animal-based factors found to be associated with knee injuries at the cow level were DIM, BCS, and median lying time. Environmental factors found to be associated with knee injuries at the cow level were stall width, chain length, province, stall base, and bed length. Quadratic and interaction terms were also identified between these variables in both the Hock and knee models. This study demonstrates that Hock and knee injuries are still a common problem on tiestall dairy farms in Canada. Several animal- and housing-based factors contribute to their presence. Further research to confirm causal relationships between these factors would help identify the cause of knee and Hock injuries and determine how to best reduce the incidence of injuries in cows on commercial tiestall dairy farms in Canada.
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prevalence of and factors associated with Hock knee and neck injuries on dairy cows in freestall housing in canada
Journal of Dairy Science, 2014Co-Authors: J Zaffino C Heyerhoff, C G R Nash, T J Devries, J Rushen, S J Leblanc, J Gibbons, K Orsel, H W Barkema, L Solano, A M De PassilleAbstract:Abstract Injuries are a widespread problem in the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and explore the animal-based and environmental factors associated with Hock, knee, and neck injuries on dairy cows in freestall housing in Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Freestall dairy farms in the provinces of Ontario (n = 40) and Alberta (n = 50) were visited for cross-sectional data collection. A purposive sample of 40 lactating Holstein cows was selected for detailed observation on each farm. Cows were scored for Hock, knee, and neck injuries on a 3- or 4-point scale, combining the attributes of hair loss, broken skin, and swelling and with a higher score indicating a more severe injury. The highest Hock and highest knee score were used in the analysis. Animal-based and environmental measures were taken to explore which factors were associated with injury. Overall, the prevalence of cows with at least one Hock, knee, and neck injury was 47, 24, and 9%, respectively. Lame cows had a greater odds of Hock injury [odds ratio (OR) = 1.46] than nonlame cows, whereas cows with fewer days in milk (DIM) had reduced odds of Hock injury compared with those >120 DIM (OR = 0.47, 0.64, and 0.81 for
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effects of sand and straw bedding on the lying behavior cleanliness and hoof and Hock injuries of dairy cows
Journal of Dairy Science, 2008Co-Authors: Marianna Norring, J Rushen, A M De Passille, Emmi Manninen, Lene Munksgaard, Hannu SaloniemiAbstract:Abstract This experiment compared the effects of sand and straw bedding in free stalls on resting time, cleanliness, Hock injuries, and hoof health of dairy cows and tested whether cow preferences for a bedding material depended on the familiarity with the material. A total of 52 dairy cows were kept either on straw bedded concrete stalls or sand stalls for at least 21 wk. The lying behavior was observed, and Hock lesions, hoof health, and cleanliness of the cows and stalls were measured. A 5-d preference test between sand and straw stalls was conducted at the end of the experiment. The total daily duration of lying was longer for cows on straw bedding than on sand bedding (straw 749±16 vs. sand 678±19min). During the preference test, cows that had been kept on straw bedding preferred lying in straw stalls [straw 218.7 (133.4 to 239.7) vs. sand 9.0min (2.8 to 44.8)]; however, cows that had been kept on sand showed no preference [straw 101.3 (51.7 to 205.9) vs. sand 94.3min (54.1 to 156.1, median and interquartile range)]. Although there were no differences in the dirtiness of stalls, the cows using straw stalls were dirtier than cows using sand stalls [straw 6.04 (5.39 to 6.28) vs. sand 4.19 (3.62 to 5.16)]. At the end of experiment the severity of Hock lesions was lower for cows on sand than for cows on straw [sand 0.5 (0.0 to 1.0) vs. straw 1.0 (1.0 to 2.0)]. The improvement in overall hoof health over the observation period was greater for cows kept on sand compared with cows kept on straw [sand −2.00 (−3.75 to −0.25) vs. straw 0.00 (−2.00 to 2.00)]. Straw bedding increased the time that cows spend lying, and cows preferred straw stalls to sand stalls. However, previous experience with sand reduces avoidance of sand stalls. Sand stalls were advantageous for cow cleanliness and health; Hock lesions and claw diseases healed more quickly for cows using sand stalls compared with straw.
S L Potterton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The prevalence of Hock lesions in UK dairy cattle and the significance of risk factors associated with the development of the condition
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science, 2020Co-Authors: S L Potterton, Kate Millar, J Harris, H R Whay, M Green, J N HuxleyAbstract:The term Hock lesion describes incidences of hair loss, thickened skin, wounds, scabs, and swellings occurring over the tarsal joint. Hock lesions in dairy cattle are a widespread problem around the world. In the UK, a recent study found approximately 99% of examined cows had at least some callused area over a Hock (Haskell et al., 2006). The presence of Hock lesions is correlated with injuries of the teat, carpal joints and skin, as well as increases in mobility score, high somatic cell counts, a greater incidence of clinical mastitis, and higher culling and annual death rates. Differences in the prevalence and severity of Hock lesions according to the lying surface and cubicle design have been identified. Cow-related factors and management variables have also been postulated as possible risk factors. Recognition of the condition and practical solutions aimed at resolving it have however, been limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hock lesions in lactating cattle on dairy farms in the East Midlands of the UK, and the significance of potential risk factors in the development of the lesions.
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area of Hock hair loss in dairy cows risk factors and correlation with a categorical scale
Veterinary Journal, 2015Co-Authors: J N Huxley, S L Potterton, M J Green, Christopher J Brignell, Abdul Rahman Othman, Jasmeet KalerAbstract:Data from 3691 dairy cows from 76 farms were used to investigate the risk factors associated with area of hair loss over the lateral aspect of the Hock, and the correlation between the area of hair loss as calculated using a Hock map and Hock lesion scores determined using a pre-existing categorical scale. Six factors were associated with a greater area of hair loss, including cows with locomotion score 3, a cleanliness score (10-18/28), high daily milk yield (25.1 - 58.1 kg), poor body condition score (1-1.5), duration of winter housing (≥41 days) and some combinations of cubicle base and bedding materials. Compared with cows housed in cubicles with a concrete base and whole straw or rape straw bedding, cows housed in cubicles with concrete bases with sand or chopped straw bedding had smaller areas of hair loss and cows housed on a mattress base with whole straw or rape straw bedding had a larger area of hair loss. Area of hair loss, as measured on Hock maps, was not significantly different between cows with score 1 (median=23.6 cm2) and score 2 (median=20.3 cm2) on the categorical scale for Hock lesions. This suggests that the categorical scale was not reflecting the extent of hair loss and that Hock maps are a good alternative for studying the dynamics of Hock lesions over time. Further work is required to explore the aetiology of Hock lesions and find better ways to control this common condition. Keywords: Hock lesions; Hair loss; Dairy cow; Welfare; Hock maps
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prevalence and characterisation of and producers attitudes towards Hock lesions in uk dairy cattle
Veterinary Record, 2011Co-Authors: S L Potterton, M J Green, Kate Millar, Christopher J Brignell, J Harris, H R Whay, J N HuxleyAbstract:The objectives of this paper were to characterise lesions found at the Hock and to establish their prevalence across a large sample of dairy cows in the UK. In addition, the study aimed to examine farmers' perceptions of these lesions. Seventy-seven farms were visited; both Hocks on a random sample of approximately 50 cows were scored on a categorical scale for hair loss, ulceration and swelling. In addition, the size and location of lesions were marked on a Hock map. A questionnaire designed to explore attitudes towards lesions was conducted with the owner. Hair loss and ulceration were seen at five locations. Hair loss was identified on 5,619 of 6,896 Hocks (mild: 43.7 per cent; moderate: 25.1 per cent; severe: 12.6 per cent) and 1,137 of 6,896 Hocks had areas of ulceration (mild: 8.6 per cent; moderate: 5.8 per cent; severe: 2.1 per cent). The majority of lesions were small; however, a small proportion had extensive areas of hair loss (maximum size 113.3 cm2) and ulceration (maximum size 95.5 cm2). Moderate swelling was recorded on 20 per cent of Hocks, and 2.0 per cent had severe swelling. Interview results suggested that more than 90 per cent of participants were aware of Hock lesions and a third had sought treatment for them; most felt that lesions had at least some impact on productivity and welfare.
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risk factors associated with hair loss ulceration and swelling at the Hock in freestall housed uk dairy herds
Journal of Dairy Science, 2011Co-Authors: S L Potterton, M J Green, Kate Millar, J Harris, H R Whay, J N HuxleyAbstract:The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with 3 presentations of Hock lesions (hair loss, ulceration, and swelling) in freestall-housed lactating cattle. By independent identification and scoring of, and analysis of the factors associated with, hair loss, ulceration, and swelling, the aim was to identify whether risk factors were common to all 3, or differed among the presentations. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 76 herds in the UK during the winter housing period of 2007 to 2008, with a total of 3,691 cows examined for Hock lesions. A randomly selected sample of approximately 50 cows in each herd were scored for body condition, lameness, cleanliness, rising behavior, and lesions at the Hocks. For all cows, hair loss, ulceration, and swelling were scored separately on 4-point scales, with both left and right Hocks scored. Based on a review of the literature, potential risk factors were identified and measured, collected from milk-recording data, or obtained through interviews with the farmers. Risk factors associated with Hocks lesions in cattle were examined using data from the 2,982 cows housed in the 63 freestall-housed herds visited. Risk factors for each of the 3 lesion presentations were considered separately in multilevel logistic regression models, with moderate or severe hair loss, any degree of ulceration, and moderate or severe swelling as the outcome variables. Thirty risk factors were identified, none of which were common to all 3 lesion presentations. Five risk factors (locomotion score, number of days of winter housing, mean milk yield, freestall base material, and herd size) were common to both hair loss and ulceration. The stall bedding material was a common risk factor for both hair loss and swelling. A further 8, 5, and 11 risk factors were unique to hair loss, ulceration, and swelling, respectively. The existence of several differential risk factors between the 2 lesion presentations suggests that ulceration may not always be a direct extension of hair loss, as has been implied in previous scoring systems. Of the 12 risk factors associated with swelling, only 1 was common to another lesion presentation, which suggests that swelling may have a different etiology than hair loss and ulceration. The variables associated with the lesions indicate the importance of factors that affect the lying and rising behavior of the animal, including freestall structure and design, and the lying surface.
M A G Von Keyserlingk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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lameness and Hock injuries improve on farms participating in an assessment program
Veterinary Journal, 2014Co-Authors: N Chapinal, D M Weary, L Collings, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract Lameness and Hock injuries are recognized welfare and production problems in the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to describe changes in the prevalence of these ailments in 15 freestall herds in the Northeastern United States that participated in an on-farm assessment program. Prevalence was assessed in a high-producing pen in each herd. A confidential report was delivered to each of the farms showing prevalence in relation to other herds assessed within the same region. The average (±SD) period between visits was 11.5 ± 4.4 months (range, 8–25 months). The prevalence of lameness decreased in most herds after the first assessment (mean difference ± SE [range] = −17 ± 4 % [−43 to 6]). An even larger improvement was seen in the prevalence of Hock injuries with all farms showing a decrease (−38 ± 6% [−1 to −87]). The degree of improvement observed at the second assessment was greatest for those farms that had higher lameness prevalence when first assessed, but this was not the case for Hock injuries. The changes in prevalence of clinical lameness and overall Hock lesions were, however, correlated (ρ = 0.62). These results suggest that monitoring and reporting the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries to farmers can motivate changes in facilities and management targeted to address these ailments.
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risk factors for lameness and Hock injuries in holstein herds in china
Journal of Dairy Science, 2014Co-Authors: N Chapinal, D M Weary, Y Liang, Y Wang, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract The objective was to investigate the association between herd-level management and facility design and the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries in high-producing dairy cows on commercial freestall farms in China. Housing and management measures, such as stall design, bedding type, and milking routine were collected for the high-producing pen in 34 farms in China. All cows in the pen were gait scored using a 5-point scale, and evaluated for Hock injuries using a 3-point scale. Measures associated with the proportion of clinically (score ≥3) or severely (score ≥4) lame cows, and the proportion of cows having at least a minor Hock injury (score ≥2) or severe injury (score = 3) at the univariable level were submitted to multivariable general linear models. The prevalence [mean ± SD (range)] of clinical and severe lameness were 31 ± 12 (7–51) and 10 ± 6% (0– 27%), respectively, and the prevalence of cows with at least a minor Hock injury and with severe injuries was 40 ± 20 (6 – 95) and 5 ± 9% (0 – 50%), respectively. The prevalence of clinical lameness and severe lameness decreased with herd size (estimate = −0.35 ± 0.09% for a 100-cow increase for clinical lameness; estimate = 0.15 ± 0.06% for a 100-cow increase for severe lameness). Prevalence increased with barn age >9 yr (estimate = 12.73 ± 4.42% for clinical lameness; estimate = 5.79 ± 2.89% for severe lameness). These 2 variables combined explained 49% of the variation in clinical lameness and 30% of the variation in severe lameness. The prevalence of all Hock injuries and severe Hock injuries decreased with deep bedding (estimate = −20.90 ± 5.66% for all Hock injuries; estimate = −3.65 ± 1.41% for severe Hock injuries) and increased with barn age >9 yr (estimate = 16.68 ± 7.17% for all Hock injuries; estimate = 6.95 ± 1.75% for severe injuries). These 2 variables explained 52 and 58% of the variation, respectively. In conclusion, large variation existed across farms in prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries. Changes in housing and management may help control the prevalence of lameness and Hock injuries in the emerging dairy industry in China.
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herd level risk factors for Hock injuries in freestall housed dairy cows in the northeastern united states and california
Journal of Dairy Science, 2013Co-Authors: A K Barrientos, D M Weary, N Chapinal, E Galo, M A G Von KeyserlingkAbstract:Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between management and facility design factors and the prevalence of Hock injuries in high-producing dairy cows in 76 freestall herds in the northeastern United States (NE-US; Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania) and California (CA). One group of high-production multiparous cows was monitored on each farm, and data on management, facility and stall design, and the conditions of the Hocks were collected. Focal cows [n=38±3 (mean ± standard deviation)] were evaluated for Hock injuries using a 3-point scale (where 1=healthy and 3=evidently swollen or severe injury). Measures associated with the proportion (logit-transformed) of cows having injuries (score ≥2) or severe injuries (score=3) at the univariable level were submitted to multivariable general linear models. In NE-US, overall Hock injuries increased with the percentage of stalls with fecal contamination [odds ratio (OR)=1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–1.54, for a 10% increase], and with the use of sawdust as bedding (OR=3.47; CI=1.14–10.62), and decreased with deep bedding (i.e., at least 10cm depth of any type of bedding; OR=0.05; CI=0.02–0.14), use of sand as bedding (OR=0.06; CI=0.02–0.15), bedding dry matter (DM) ≥83.9% (OR=0.08; CI=0.03–0.20), and access to pasture during the dry period (OR=0.17; CI=0.05–0.53). When these variables were submitted to a multivariable model, the presence of deep bedding was the only factor that remained significant, explaining 54% of the variation in overall injuries. Severe Hock injuries increased with the use of automatic scrapers (OR=2.29; CI=1.11–4.71) and the percentage of stalls with fecal contamination (OR=1.14; CI=1.00–1.31, for a 10% increase), and decreased with sand bedding (OR=0.22; CI=0.10–0.49), deep bedding (OR=0.24; CI=0.11–0.52), bedding DM ≥83.9% (OR=0.28; CI=0.14–0.58), and access to pasture during the dry period (OR=0.42; CI=0.18–0.97). The final multivariable model, which explained 36% of the variation in severe Hock injuries, included the use of automatic scrapers and deep bedding. In CA, stall stocking density (OR=1.41; CI=1.00–2.01, for a 10% increase) and poor bedding maintenance (OR=1.08; CI=1.01–1.16, for a 2.5-cm decrease in depth of deep-bedded stalls) were associated with an increase of overall and severe Hock injuries, respectively. Deep-bedded and well-maintained stalls reduce the risk of Hock injuries. Regional variation in risk factors for these injuries should be considered when formulating on-farm recommendations.
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associations between cow hygiene Hock injuries and free stall usage on us dairy farms
Journal of Dairy Science, 2010Co-Authors: J E Lombard, M A G Von Keyserlingk, Cassandra B Tucker, C A Kopral, D M WearyAbstract:This cross-sectional study evaluated cow comfort measures in free stall dairies across the United States as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2007 study. The study was conducted in 17 states and evaluations were completed between March 5 and September 5, 2007. Assessors recorded hygiene and Hock scores, number of cows housed in the pen, the number of cows standing with only the front feet in a stall, standing fully in a stall, and lying in a stall. Facility design measures included bedding type, bedding quantity, stall length and width, presence of a neck rail or brisket locator, and relevant distances from the rear and bed of the stall. Of the 491 operations that completed the cow comfort assessment, 297 had Holstein cows housed in free stalls and were included in this analysis. Negative binomial models were constructed to evaluate the following outcomes: the number of cows that were very dirty, had severe Hock injuries, stood with front feet in the stall, stood with all feet in the stall, and were lying in the stall. Hygiene was better on farms that did not tail dock cows compared with those that did (5.7 vs. 8.8% were dirty) and on farms located in the study's west region compared with those located in the east region (5.2 vs. 9.7% were dirty). Severe Hock injuries were less common on farms in the west than those in the east (0.5 vs. 4.1%). In addition, severe Hock injuries were less common on farms that used dirt as a stall base or sand as bedding compared with farms that did not. A higher percentage of cows was standing with front feet in the stall at higher ambient temperatures (incidence rate ratio = 1.016) and as time since feeding increased (incidence rate ratio = 1.030). A lower percentage of cows were standing with front feet in the stall when the stalls were shorter and when there were fewer cows per stall. Standing fully in a stall was performed by a higher percentage of cows during the summer than during the spring (13.6 vs. 8.1%), when cows were provided free stalls with rubber mats or mattresses, and as the distance from the rear curb to neck rail increased. A higher percentage of cows were lying in a stall when sand bedding was used, when bedding was added more frequently, and during the spring months. Results of this national survey indicate that tail docking provides no benefit to cow hygiene and that stall base and bedding are key factors influencing Hock injuries and stall usage on US free stall dairy farms.