Abstract
Simple SummaryLameness is a pressing issue in dairy production. Dairy farmers are primarily responsible for the welfare of their cows and decision-making regarding lameness management. However, there are concerns regarding the communication of the importance of lameness to farmers and their motivation towards proper management. A review of the literature indicates that various factors influence farmers’ perceptions about lameness, their adoption of recommended measures and whether or not they end up treating a lame cow. This review summarizes these related issues in consideration of the welfare and economic implications of farmers’ decisions. The information herein is vital to the identification of measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards appropriate lameness management.Lameness continues to be a welfare and economic issue for dairy cows. However, the consequences of lameness seem to be better understood by veterinarians and related personnel in comparison to dairy farmers. Prompt detection and treatment of lame cows is essential in reducing its negative impact on milk processing systems. To that end, understanding farmers’ perceptions regarding the significance of lameness to dairy cows is vital. One fundamental aspect is the underestimation of lameness prevalence by dairy farmers, which is as a result of different understanding of the problem. The same applies to their decision to treat lame cows and to adopt various detection and management practices. All of these shortcomings contribute to poor cattle welfare and economic losses in dairy production. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated dairy farmers’ perceptions of lameness and the associated implications on the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. Factors associated with farmers’ attitudes toward claw health and lameness management are also presented. Additionally, economic observations relating to lameness prevention, treatment and the adoption of lameness detection systems are also highlighted. To strengthen these points, interventional programmes requiring farmers’ participation are discussed as a promising approach in answering some of these challenges. A review of the literature indicates both the opportunities and barriers inherent in the tackling the lameness issue from the farmers’ perspectives. Such knowledge is crucial in identifying measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards proper lameness management.
Highlights
Lameness causes pain and behavioral changes in dairy cattle
The objective of this review is to evaluate the perceptions of dairy farmers towards lameness, identify the barriers to its effective management and suggest ways of motivating dairy farmers to take action
Results from a recent survey by Olmos et al [6] showed that the participants, in describing gait alteration, preferred to use terms related to hoof problems or laminitis and they were of the opinion that such disorders were normal and required no intervention
Summary
Lameness causes pain and behavioral changes in dairy cattle. It affects milk production due to the stress caused to the animals [1]. Lameness remains an economic problem for milk production systems [2]. Several papers have reported the occurrence of dairy cow lameness in various parts of the globe and its multifactorial etiology [1,3]. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of various lameness detection systems and treatment methods for specific claw lesions [2,3]. Despite the substantial work in lameness related research, there are still concerns regarding the increasing occurrence of lameness in dairy herds
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