Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Assessment of the welfare of dairy cattle using animal-based measurements: direct observations and investigation of farm records.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Whay, H R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science · United Kingdom
Plain-English summary
Researchers created a method to check the well-being of dairy cows by observing them directly and looking at farm records. They visited 53 dairy farms in England during the winter of 2000/01 to gather information. After reviewing the findings, a group of 50 experts agreed that over 75% of the farms needed to improve conditions to lower the rates of mastitis (an infection in the udder) and to address issues like lameness, overgrown hooves, swollen and sore joints, and injuries caused by their surroundings. Overall, the study highlighted significant areas where many farms needed to make changes for better cow welfare.
Abstract
A protocol was developed by consultation with experts on the welfare of cattle to use direct observations of cattle and an examination of farm records to assess welfare. Fifty-three dairy farms in England were visited and assessed during the winter of 2000/01. The findings were compiled and the results of the welfare measurements were examined by 50 experts who indicated at what level they considered that improvement was required. More than 75 per cent of them considered that 32 of the 53 farms needed to take action to reduce the incidence of mastitis, and that at least 42 of the farms needed to take action to reduce the prevalence of lameness, overgrown claws, swollen and ulcerated hocks, and injuries from the environment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12956296/