Cow- and farm-level risk factors for lameness on dairy farms with automated milking systems

Lameness is a major concern to animal health and welfare within the dairy industry. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence of lameness in high-producing cows on farms with automated milking systems (AMS) and to identify the main risk factors for lameness at the animal and farm level. We visited 36 AMS farms across Canada and Michigan. Farm-level factors related to stall design, bedding use, flooring, and stocking rates were recorded by trained observers. Cows were scored for lameness, leg injuries, body condition (BCS), and body size (hip width and rump height; n = 1,378; 25-40 cows/farm). Mean herd prevalence of clinical lameness was 15% (range = 2.5-46%). Stall width relative to cow size and parity was found to be the most important factor associated with lameness. Not fitting the average stall width increased the odds of being lame 3.7 times in primiparous cows. A narrow feed alley [<430 cm; odds ratio (OR) = 1.9], obstructed lunge space (OR = 1.7), a low BCS (OR = 2.1 for BCS ≤2.25 compared with BCS 2.75-3.0), and presence of hock lesions (OR = 1.6) were also identified as important risk factors for lameness. Only 1 of 36 farms had stalls of adequate width and length for the cows on their farm. For lameness prevention, it can be concluded that more emphasis needs be placed on either building stalls of appropriate width or selecting for smaller-framed cows that fit the existing stalls.