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___________ is the number one indicator for cow comfort.
Lying time
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How do we measure comfort? (4)
stall usage, lying time, lameness/ hock lesions, preference tests
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Cows that are ___________ are at risk for developing lameness.
not laying down
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How do we measure stall usage and lying time?
podometers, cameras
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What are signs of lameness? (7)
head bob, back arch, joint flexion, swinging in/out of hind end, tracking up (does the hind foot land where the front foot was), asymmetric steps/rhythm, improper weight bearing (limping)
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We determine cow comfort based on ______________.
animal-based measurements
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What are risk factors for lameness, hock lesions, or low lying time? (6)
stocking density, stall width, bedding dryness, bedding level and type, lunge space, neckrail position
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Why might a cow lay backwards in a stall?
lying backwards in the stall
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What happens when you move the neckrail too far forward?
cows stand fully in the stall (as opposed to perching), defecate in the stall —> decreased hygiene, inc mastitis
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What's the purpose of the neckrail?
to force cows to lay far back enough so they defecate out of the stall into the alley
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What happens when the neckrail is too far back?
not enough lunge space for cows--> decreased cow comfort
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__________ are a huge risk factor for hock lesions.
Mattresses
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What are potential problems with deep-bedded sand stalls?
- sand must be raked daily; if not,...
- sand gets pushed to the sides of the stall and cows are basically laying on the ground
- sand can become compacted and hard, less comfortable
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How does overstocking affect cow comfort?
- reduces lying time
- overstocked lying stalls--> cows can't lie down
- overstocking feed bunk--> cows stand longer to wait to eat
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What might be your recommendations for low lying time/ high perching time? (4)
increase stall width/depth, bedding amount, bedding dryness, bunk space
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What would be your main recommendation for a high number of hock lesions?
deeper bedding
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