Lameness in dairy cows in freestall barns with automatic milking systems

Abstract

Five farms in Norway were surveyed for lameness under the assumption that the levels of lameness would be high due to changing of keeping conditions and milking system. The levels were found to be around 70% in the stables surveyed which is high compared with other studies. Some advice was given to the farmers to improve the conditions. Only some farmers implemented the changes suggested, so the decreases in lameness are uncertain. The main measures to be suggested to the farmers in the future, is regular, professional trimming, improving hygiene, and optimizing feeding.