Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Criteria used to evaluate the locomotion score in Holstein cows (n=231)_ Adapted from Sprecher et al_ (1997)
| Level | Locomotion | Back line | Walk | Head movement | Weight bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soft and fluid movement | Straight back | Long and sure strides | Stable | All legs bear weight equally |
| 2 | Imperfect movement, but can move freely | Slightly arched back | Slightly asymmetric walk | Slight head roll | Lameness indicated |
| 3 | Free movement affected | Arched back | Short strides | Head raised when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Lameness certain |
| 4 | Free movement is more affected | Pronounced arched back | Short, uncertain strides | Head clearly raised when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Reluctant to place the affected hoof on the ground |
| 5 | Movement capacity severely affected | Exaggerated arched back | Very short, deliberate and uncertain strides | Exaggerated raised head when the affected hoof is placed on the ground | Incapable of placing the affected hoof on the ground |
Maximum temperatures (ºC) in dairy cattle hooves in the different areas examined in relation to parity (1: primiparous; 2: second calving; ≥3: 3 or more calvings)
| Parity | N (cows) | Cranial area | Caudal area | Sole | Interdigital area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experiment 1 | |||||
| 1 | 48 | 34.38±2.91 a | 32.84±4.23 a | ||
| 2 | 88 | 32.88±3.54 ab | 31.19±4.52 ab | ||
| ≥3 | 74 | 32.65±3.60 b | 30.07±4.53 b | ||
| Experiment 2 | |||||
| 1 | 48 | 32.28±2.24 a | 29.90±2.81 a | 26.48±2.20 a | 31.70±2.53 a |
| 2 | 46 | 31.60±3.22 ab | 29.85±2.94 a | 25.80±2.82 ab | 31.70±3.12 a |
| ≥3 | 42 | 30.94±3.43 b | 28.62±3.54 b | 25.35±3.34 b | 30.66±3.57 a |