Stall Lameness Scoring
This method of lameness scoring is detailed in Leach et al. 2009, "Assessing lameness in cows kept in tie-stalls." It is not currently used by Dairy Well, National Dairy FARM Program, or Validus.
The following behaviors are recorded:
- Standing on the edge of the stall
- Resting a foot (uneven weight distribution)
- Shifting feet
- Uneven movement
A cow is considered lame if she has two or more of these behaviors.
- If the cow is lying down, encourage her and her neighbors to stand and wait a few minutes before assessing
- Examine from behind and note presence of any of the listed behaviors
- Move the cow from side to side by moving side to side behind her and applying hand pressure to her rear if necessary
- Note any unequal weight distribution or reluctance to put weight on a particular foot.
How to Assess:
Rest - repeatedly resting one foot more than the other, indicated by raising part or all of the hoof off the ground
Does not include raising the hoof to lick or kick
Shift - regular, repeated shifting of weight from one hoof to another, defined by lifting each hind hoof completely off the ground at least twice
Hoof must be lifted and returned to the same location
Uneven - uneven weight bearing between feet when the cow is encouraged to move from side to side
Reluctance to bear weight on one foot or a faster movement by one foot
Edge - placing one or more hooves on the edge of the stall while standing stationary
Does not include both hind hooves in the gutter, or brief edge placement during a step