Prevalence of lameness in cattle – associated herd level risk factors -

Defined as a severe welfare problem, lameness in cattle is associated with impaired locomotion and lesions of the hind limb, affecting fertility, milk yield, and considerable economic losses. This study aims to determine the prevalence of lameness and to establish risk factors involved in herd lameness in cattle within a farm in the north-eastern part of Romania. A total of 370 animals were scored for lameness as well as for other information on individual cows (parity, body condition score, milk yield, days in milk). Additional information like nutrition, resting, cow comfort, social confrontation, and density were also collected. Thus, herd lameness prevalence ranged between 0 to 72%, with a mean of 22%. Higher milk production was associated with lower chances of being lame. Compared to first parity, multiparous cows had higher odds of being lame, which was also correlated with a low body condition score (<2.5). Overgrown claws, injured hocks, slippery floors, hygiene and care were also correlated with this condition, emphasizing the importance of housing conditions and welfare. Therefore, actions like improving management practices in order to improve cow welfare as well as detection and proper treatment of this disorder promptly are essential for dairy herds.