The influence of the environment on dairy cow behavior, claw health and herd lameness dynamics

Free stall housing increases the exposure of dairy cows" claws to concrete walk-ways and to manure between periods of rest, and generally shows the highest rate of lameness compared with other dairy management systems. However, there is great variation within it system, and the rate of new cases of lameness can be reduced to Vel-V low levels provided time spent resting, per day is maximized through good stall design, access to stalls through stocking density control and comfortable transition cow facilities, limiting, the time spent milking, provision of adequate beat abatement, and good leg hygiene. Sand bedded stalls are useful its they also permit lame cows to maintain adequate daily rest. Rubberized alley flooring surfaces benefit the cow by reducing claw wear and trauma compared to concrete, making them ideal for parlor holding areas and long transfer lanes and walk ways. However. caution is required when using rubber floors in pens with uncomfortable stalls due to apparent adverse effects on cow time budgets. which may ill turn have I detrimental effect oil lameness. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.