Lameness Prevalence and Risk Factors in Large Dairy Farms in Upstate New York. Model Development for the Prediction of Claw Horn Disruption Lesions

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146718
• Publication Date: 2016-01-21T19:27:36Z
• Authors: Carla Foditsch; Georgios Oikonomou; Vinícius Silva Ma...; Marcela Luccas Bi...; Erika Korzune Ganda; Svetlana Ferreira...; Rodolfo Rossi; Bruno Leonardo Ri...; Arieli Kussler; Rodrigo Carvalho ...
• Keywords: Claw; Hoof

The main objectives of this prospective cohort study were a) to describe lameness prevalence at drying off in large high producing New York State herds based on visual locomotion score (VLS) and identify potential cow herd level risk factors, b) develop a model that will predict the probability developing claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL) subsequent lactation using variables collected and/or available from farm management software. Data 23 commercial dairy farms located upstate York. A total 7,687 dry cows, less than 265 days gestation, enrolled study. Farms visited between May 2012 March 2013, cows assessed for body condition (BCS) VLS. CHDL events recorded by employees extracted Dairy-Comp 305 database, as well information regarding studied cows’ health events, milk production, reproductive records throughout previous period. Univariable analyses mixed multivariable logistic regression models used analyse data level. overall average (VLS > 2) was 14%. Lactation group, CHDL, mature equivalent 305-d yield (ME305), season, BCS sire PTA strength all significantly associated with (cow-level). Lameness incidence lactation, ME305. These factors included our predictive adjusted predicted probabilities calculated cows. ROC analysis identified an optimum cut-off point these we could specificity 75% sensitivity 59%. Using approach, would have detected 33% population being risk, eventually identifying 59% future cases. Our help producers focusing their efforts reduction implementing aggressive preventive measures