Abstract
This paper considers the economic consequences and the welfare impact of foot disorders in dairy cattle and the association between
them, taking into account clinical and subclinical foot disorders. In dairy farming with cubicle housing and concrete floors, foot
disorders are a major welfare problem with serious economic consequences. On average, foot disorders cost €53 per cow per year,
of which indirect cost factors are the main cause. Subclinical foot disorders, which are the foot disorders not recognised by dairy
farmers, account for 50% of the total welfare impact and 32% of the total costs. The consequences of foot disorders can be difficult
to observe and more insight into these consequences is helpful in stimulating actions to improve dairy cow foot health. Digital
dermatitis (DD), an infectious foot disorder, is the most serious foot disorder from both an economic and welfare perspective. The
correlation between economics and animal welfare impact suggests that reducing the problem of foot disorders from an economic
perspective will positively influence the welfare of dairy cows. Insight into economic and welfare consequences of the different foot
disorders, including the association between them, can help make dairy farmers more aware and help with decision-making regarding
measures to improve dairy cow foot health.
Keywords: animal welfare, dairy cattle, economics, foot disorders, modelling, welfare impact
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 33-40 |
Journal | Animal Welfare |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | suppl. 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- holstein cows
- claw disorders
- lameness control
- milk-yield
- prevalence
- associations
- mastitis
- heifers
- england
- health