Lameness scoring systems for cattle in dairy farms

Dairy cow locomotion and its correct interpretation are extremely important for assessment of normal locomotion and lameness. In the literature, cattle lameness is often described as deviation from the normal locomotion due to pain or discomfort in the region of feet and hooves. A major part of the existing locomotion scoring systems are based upon identification of changes in normal locomotion, but sometimes, the interpretation of these changes is difficult when described in the best possible way. The existing risk related to the correct evaluation predetermines the development of scoring systems for clinical lameness. Many systems are used to score the locomotion of both healthy and diseased cows. The natural stance of cows could also mislead researchers and farmers during the evaluation. Pathological deviations in the region of feet and hooves are not always related to visible alterations in cows' behaviour. Very often, hoof pathology without clinical manifestation could be observed. The intensive mechanisation of cattle husbandry and the reduced contact between animals and men further contribute to the increased incidence of wrong evaluation and flaws in cattle lameness recognition, especially in the early stages. This fact has encouraged attempts for creating accurate practical locomotion scoring systems that could assist in detection of all deviations from normal locomotion in dairy cows.