Locomotion biomechanic and scoring in dairy farms
Subject Areas :Shabnaz mokhtarnazif 1 * , Marzieh Faezi 2
1 -
2 -
Keywords: Lameness, Cow’s behavior, Dairy cow, Locomotion scoring,
Abstract :
Lameness is one of the biggest challenges in modern dairy farm around the world. Lameness is defined as the clinical manifestation of painful disorder resulting in deviation from normal gait or posture. It usually happens following claw lesions, although internal and external factors can affect it. Following herd size growing, farmer’s attention to individual cows has been reduced, therefore lameness diagnostic accrued in sever stages when treatments have the least effect on recovery and prevention. In this article, we try to understand pain basics and behavior changes related to it, using these changes in gait (i.e. back arch, walking speed, track up, head bob etc.) to assess different locomotion scoring systems and their use in dairy farms.
1. Alsaaod M, Fadul M, Steiner A. Automatic lameness detection in cattle. Vet J. 2019;246:35–44.
2. Whay HR, Waterman AE, Webster AJF. Associations between locomotion, claw lesions andnociceptive threshold in dairy heifers during the peri-partum period. Vet J. 1997 Sep 1;154(2):155–61.
3. Whay H. Locomotion scoring and lameness detection in dairy cattle. In Pract. 2002;24(8):444–9.
4. Flower FC, Weary DM. Gait assessment in dairy cattle. Animal. 2009;3(1):87–95.
5. Sprecher DJ, Hostetler DE, Kaneene JB. A lameness scoring system that uses posture and gait to predict dairy cattle reproductive performance. Theriogenology. 1997;47(6):1179–87.
6. Manson FJ, Leaver JD. The influence of concentrate amount on locomotion and clinical lameness in dairy cattle. Anim Prod. 1988;47(2):185–90.
7. Flower FC, Weary DM. Effect of hoof pathologies on subjective assessments of dairy cow gait. J Dairy Sci. 2006;89(1):139–46.
8. Leach KA, Tisdall DA, Bell NJ, Main DCJ, Green LE. The effects of early treatment for hindlimb lameness in dairy cows on four commercial UK farms. Vet J. 2012 Sep 1;193(3):626–32.
9. Thomsen PT, Munksgaard L, Sørensen JT. Locomotion scores and lying behaviour are indicators of hoof lesions in dairy cows. Vet J. 2012;193(3):644–7.
10. Hildebrand M. Gaits Quadrupedal of Vertebrates. Bioscience. 1989;39(11):766–75.
11. Van Nuffel A, Zwertvaegher I, Pluym L, Van Weyenberg S, Thorup VM, Pastell M, et al. Lameness detection in dairy cows: Part 1. How to distinguish between non-lame and lame cows based on differences in locomotion or behavior. Animals. 2015;5(3):838–60.
12. Flower FC, Sanderson DJ, Weary DM. Hoof pathologies influence kinematic measures of dairy cow gait. J Dairy Sci. 2005;88(9):3166–73.
13. Eilam D. Postnatal development of body architecture and gait in several rodent species. J Exp Biol. 1997;200(9):1339–50.
14. Chapinal N, de Passillé AM, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG, Rushen J. Using gait score, walking speed, and lying behavior to detect hoof lesions in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92(9):4365–74.
15. Zillner JC, Tücking N, Plattes S, Heggemann T, Büscher W. Using walking speed for lameness detection in lactating dairy cows. Livest Sci. 2018;218:119–23.
16. Thorup VM, do Nascimento OF, Skjøth F, Voigt M, Rasmussen MD, Bennedsgaard TW, et al. Short communication: Changes in gait symmetry in healthy and lame dairy cows based on 3-dimensional ground reaction force curves following claw trimming. J Dairy Sci. 2014;97(12):7679–84.
17. Carvalho V, Bucklin RA, Shearer JK, Shearer L, Naas IA, Neto M. Dairy Cattle Linear and Angular Kinematics during the Stance Phase. Agric Eng. 2007;IX:1–10.
18. Flower FC, Sanderson DJ, Weary DM. Effects of milking on dairy cow gait. J Dairy Sci. 2006;89(6):2084–9.
19. Bomzon A. Pain and stress in cattle: A personal perspective. Isr J Vet Med. 2011;66(2):12–20.
20. Hudson C, Whay H, Huxley J. Recognition and management of pain in cattle. In Pract. 2008;30(3):126–34.
21. Weary DM, Niel L, Flower FC, Fraser D. Identifying and preventing pain in animals. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2006;100(1–2):64–76.
22. Gleerup KB, Andersen PH, Munksgaard L, Forkman B. Pain evaluation in dairy cattle. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2015;171:25–32.
23. Nechanitzky K, Starke A, Vidondo B, Müller H, Reckardt M, Friedli K, et al. Analysis of behavioral changes in dairy cows associated with claw horn lesions. J Dairy Sci. 2016;99(4):2904–14.
24. Rodríguez AR, Olivares FJ, Descouvieres PT, Werner MP, Tadich NA, Bustamante HA. Thermographic assessment of hoof temperature in dairy cows with different mobility scores. Livest Sci. 2016;184(December):92–6.
25. Jabbar KA, Hansen MF, Smith ML, Smith LN. Locomotion Traits of Dairy Cows from Overhead Three-Dimensional Video. Icpr. 2016;5–8.
26. Chapinal N, De AM, Rushen J. Measurement of acceleration while walking as an automated method for gait assessment in dairy cattle. 2011;2895–901.
27. Neveux S, Weary DM, Rushen J, Keyserlingk MAG Von, Passille AM De. Hoof Discomfort Changes How Dairy Cattle Distribute Their Body Weight. 2006;2503–9.
28. Mohamadnia A. Workshop of basics of lameness detection in dairy cows. Jaghargh, Iran; 1397.
29. Alsaaod M, Bucher E, Feierabend M, Haerdi-Landerer MC, Steiner A. Detection and localisation of unilateral hindlimb pathologies in cattle using the cow pedogram. Vet Rec. 2019;184(10):1–3.
30. Dyer RM, Neerchal NK, Tasch U, Wu Y, Dyer P, Rajkondawar PG. Objective determination of claw pain and its relationship to limb locomotion score in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2007;90(10):4592–602.
31. Passos LT, Cruz EA d., Fischer V, Porciuncula GC d., Werncke D, Dalto AGC, et al. Dairy cows change locomotion score and sensitivity to pain with trimming and infectious or non-infectious lesions. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2017;49(4):851–6.
32. Schlageter-Tello A, Bokkers EAM, Koerkamp PWGG, Van Hertem T, Viazzi S, Romanini CEB, et al. Manual and automatic locomotion scoring systems in dairy cows: A review. Prev Vet Med. 2014;116(1–2):12–25.
33. Whay H. Locom ~ otion scoring and lam ~ eness detection in dairy cattle. 2002;(September).
34. Wells SJ, Trent AM, Marsh WE, Mcgovern PG. Individual cow risk factors for clinical lameness in lactating dairy cows. 1993;17:95–109.
35. Breuer K, Hemsworth P., Barnett J., Matthews L., Coleman G. Behavioural response to humans and the productivity of commercial dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2000 Mar 1;66(4):273–88.
36. Winckler C, Willen S. The Reliability and Repeatability of a Lameness Scoring System for Use as an Indicator of Welfare in Dairy Cattle. Acta Agric Scand Sect A — Anim Sci. 2001 Jan 1;51(sup030):103–7.
37. Van Nuffel A, Sprenger M, Tuyttens FAM, Maertens W. Cow gait scores and kinematic gait data: Can people see gait irregularities? Anim Welf. 2009;18(4):433–9.
38. Dairy Australia. Lameness Scoring (Video) [Internet]. Vol. 2016. 2016. p. 2016. Available from: https://youtu.be/yldSs75RYTQ
39. Leach KA, Dippel S, Huber J, March S, Winckler C, Whay HR. Assessing lameness in cows kept in tie-stalls. J Dairy Sci. 2009 Apr 1;92(4):1567–74.
40. Berry SL, Cook N, Prairie E. Locomotion scoring of dairy cattle. Eden Prairie MN USA Zinpro Corp. 2001;
41. Viazzi S, Bahr C, Schlageter-Tello A, Van Hertem T, Romanini CEB, Pluk A, et al. Analysis of individual classification of lameness using automatic measurement of back posture in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2013;96(1):257–66.
42. Van Nuffel A, Van De Gucht T, Saeys W, Sonck B, Opsomer G, Vangeyte J, et al. Environmental and cow-related factors affect cow locomotion and can cause misclassification in lameness detection systems. Animal. 2016;10(9):1533–41.
43. Fjeldaas T, Sogstad ÅM, Østerås O. Locomotion and claw disorders in Norwegian dairy cows housed in freestalls with slatted concrete, solid concrete, or solid rubber flooring in the alleys. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(3):1243–55.
44. Telezhenko E, Bergsten C. Influence of floor type on the locomotion of dairy cows. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2005;93(3–4):183–97.
45. Alsaaod M, Huber S, Beer G, Kohler P, Schüpbach-Regula G, Steiner A. Locomotion characteristics of dairy cows walking on pasture and the effect of artificial flooring systems on locomotion comfort. J Dairy Sci. 2017;100(10):8330–7.
46. Blackie N, Bleach E, Amory J, Scaife J. Impact of lameness on gait characteristics and lying behaviour of zero grazed dairy cattle in early lactation. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2011;129(2–4):67–73.
47. Pajor EA, Rushen J, De Passillé AMB. Aversion learning techniques to evaluate dairy cattle handling practices. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2000;69(2):89–102.
48. García-Muñoz A, Vidal G, Singh N, Silva-del-Río N. Evaluation of two methodologies for lameness detection in dairy cows based on postural and gait abnormalities observed during milking and while restrained at headlock stanchions. Prev Vet Med. 2016;128(October):33–40.
49. Khaghani A, Kazemi E, Emadpur H, Leilaeiun A, Asgharzade N, Mohamadnia A. Evaluation of Possible Post Parturient Elevation of Locomotion Score. In: Second International Symposium of Veterinary Surgery. Kerman, Iran; 2008.
50. Faezi M, Mohamadnia A. Sampling Cows for Locomotion Scoring. Does It Works? In: 5th ICLAP. Tehran, Iran; 2019.
51. Hoffman AC, Moore DA, Vanegas J, Wenz JR. Association of abnormal hind-limb postures and back arch with gait abnormality in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2014;97(4):2178–85.
52. Stilwell GT, Ferrador AM, Santos MS, Domingues JM, Carolino N. Use of topical local anesthetics to control pain during treatment of hoof lesions in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2019;102(7):6383–90.
53. Mohamadnia A. Lameness Monitoring, Use of Locomotion Scoring. In: 1st RCCCL. Tehran, Iran; 2016. p. 38–46.
54. Garcia E, König K, Allesen-Holm BH, Klaas IC, Amigo JM, Bro R, et al. Experienced and inexperienced observers achieved relatively high within-observer agreement on video mobility scoring of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2015;98(7):4560–71.
55. Kottner J, Audigé L, Brorson S, Donner A, Gajewski BJ, Hróbjartsson A, et al. Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRRAS) were proposed. J Clin Epidemiol. 2011 Jan 1;64(1):96–106.
56. Schlageter-Tello A, Bokkers EAM, Groot Koerkamp PWG, Van Hertem T, Viazzi S, Romanini CEB, et al. Effect of merging levels of locomotion scores for dairy cows on intra- and interrater reliability and agreement. J Dairy Sci. 2014;97(9):5533–42.
57. Bicalho RC, Cheong SH, Cramer G, Guard CL. Association Between a Visual and an Automated Locomotion Score in Lactating Holstein Cows. J Dairy Sci. 2007 Jul 1;90(7):3294–300.
58. Faezi M, Nejati A, Mokhtarnazif S, Zojaji V, Mohamadnia A. Constancy of clinical lameness (Locomotion score 4 and 5) in dairy cows. In: 14th ISVSAD. Shahrekord, Iran; 2019.
59. Keyvanirad N, Shafigh S, Ebrahimi R, Khaghani A, Mohamadnia A. Evaluation of lame cow locomotion scores in a 6 month period. In: 10th ISVSAR. Tabiz, Iran; 2013.
60. Shafigh S, Khaghani A, Alipour F, Kalami A, Mohamadnia A. Evaluation of high locomotion score stability in dairy herds. In: 10th ISVSAR. Tabiz, Iran; 2013. p. 10–2.
61. Mohamadnia A, Gholami M, Kazemi E. Does hoof trimming affect locomotion of the cows? In: XXVWII World Buiatrics Congress. Lisbon, Portugal.; 2012.
62. March S, Brinkmann J, Winkler C. Effect of training on the inter-observer reliability of lameness scoring in dairy cattle. Anim Welf. 2007;16(2):131–3.
63. Van De Gucht T, Saeys W, Van Nuffel A, Pluym L, Piccart K, Lauwers L, et al. Farmers’ preferences for automatic lameness-detection systems in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2017 Jul 1;100(7):5746–57.
64. Song X, Leroy T, Vranken E, Maertens W, Sonck B, Berckmans D. Automatic detection of lameness in dairy cattle (1)--gait analysis in dairy cattle by vision. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci. 2007;72(1):23.
65. Poursaberi A, Bahr C, Pluk A, Van Nuffel A, Berckmans D. Real-time automatic lameness detection based on back posture extraction in dairy cattle: Shape analysis of cow with image processing techniques. Comput Electron Agric. 2010 Oct 1;74(1):110–9.
66. Jabbar KA. 3D Video based Detection of Early Lameness in Dairy Cattle. Cent Mach Vision, Bristol Robot Labaratory, Dep Eng Des Math Fac Environ Technol. 2017;
67. Van Hertem T, Schlageter Tello A, Viazzi S, Steensels M, Bahr C, Romanini CEB, et al. Implementation of an automatic 3D vision monitor for dairy cow locomotion in a commercial farm. Biosyst Eng. 2018;173:166–75.
68. Shahriar MS, Smith D, Rahman A, Freeman M, Hills J, Rawnsley R, et al. Detecting heat events in dairy cows using accelerometers and unsupervised learning. Comput Electron Agric. 2016 Oct 1;128:20–6.
69. Beer G, Alsaaod M, Starke A, Schuepbach-Regula G, Müller H, Kohler P, et al. Use of extended characteristics of locomotion and feeding behavior for automated identification of lame dairy cows. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):1–18.
70. Nechanitzky K, Starke A, Vidondo B, Müller H, Reckardt M, Friedli K, et al. Analysis of behavioral changes in dairy cows associated with claw horn lesions. J Dairy Sci. 2016;99(4):2904–14.
71. Alsaaod M, Luternauer M, Hausegger T, Kredel R, Steiner A. The cow pedogram—Analysis of gait cycle variables allows the detection of lameness and foot pathologies. J Dairy Sci. 2017;100(2):1417–26.
72. Van Der Tol PPJ, Metz JHM, Noordhuizen-Stassen EN, Back W, Braam CR, Weijs WA. The vertical ground reaction force and the pressure distribution on the claws of dairy cows while walking on a flat substrate. J Dairy Sci. 2003;86(9):2875–83.
73. van der Tol PPJ, Metz JHM, Noordhuizen-Stassen EN, Back W, Braam CR, Weijs WA. The Pressure Distribution Under the Bovine Claw During Square Standing on a Flat Substrate. J Dairy Sci. 2002;85(6):1476–81.
74. Skjøth F, Thorup VM, do Nascimento OF, Ingvartsen KL, Rasmussen MD, Voigt M. Computerized identification and classification of stance phases as made by front or hind feet of walking cows based on 3-dimensional ground reaction forces. Comput Electron Agric. 2013;90:7–13.
75. Scott GB. Changes in limb loading with lameness for a number of friesian cattle. Br Vet J. 1989;145(1):28–38.
76. Rajkondawar PG, Lefcourt AM, Neerchal NK, Dyer RM, Varner MA, Erez B, et al. The development of an objective lameness scoring system for dairy herds: pilot study. Trans ASAE. 2002;45(4):1123.
77. Dunthorn J, Dyer RM, Neerchal NK, McHenry JS, Rajkondawar PG, Steingraber G, et al. Predictive models of lameness in dairy cows achieve high sensitivity and specificity with force measurements in three dimensions. J Dairy Res. 2015;82(4):391–9.
78. Chapinal N, de Passillé AM, Rushen J, Wagner S. Automated methods for detecting lameness and measuring analgesia in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2010 May 1;93(5):2007–13.
79. Pastell ME, Kujala M. A Probabilistic Neural Network Model for Lameness Detection. J Dairy Sci. 2007;90(5):2283–92.
80. Alsaaod M, Schaefer AL, Büscher W, Steiner A. The role of infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool for the detection of lameness in cattle. Sensors (Switzerland). 2015;15(6):14513–25.
81. Alsaaod M, Büscher W. Detection of hoof lesions using digital infrared thermography in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2012 Feb 1;95(2):735–42.
82. Bach A, Iglesias C, Calsamiglia S, Devant M. Effect of Amount of Concentrate Offered in Automatic Milking Systems on Milking Frequency, Feeding Behavior, and Milk Production of Dairy Cattle Consuming High Amounts of Corn Silage. J Dairy Sci. 2007 Nov 1;90(11):5049–55.
83. Thorup VM, Nielsen BL, Robert PE, Giger-Reverdin S, Konka J, Michie C, et al. Lameness affects cow feeding but not rumination behavior as characterized from sensor data. Front Vet Sci. 2016;3(MAY):1–11.
84. Weigele HC, Gygax L, Steiner A, Wechsler B, Burla JB. Moderate lameness leads to marked behavioral changes in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2018;101(3):2370–82.
85. Reader JD, Green MJ, Kaler J, Mason SA, Green LE. Effect of mobility score on milk yield and activity in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(10):5045–52.
86. Kamphuis C, Frank E, Burke JK, Verkerk GA, Jago JG. Applying additive logistic regression to data derived from sensors monitoring behavioral and physiological characteristics of dairy cows to detect lameness. J Dairy Sci. 2013 Nov 1;96(11):7043–53.
87. Van De Gucht T, Saeys W, Van Meensel J, Van Nuffel A, Vangeyte J, Lauwers L. Farm-specific economic value of automatic lameness detection systems in dairy cattle: From concepts to operational simulations. J Dairy Sci. 2018 Jan 1;101(1):637–48.