Targeted work – health factors
Evaluation
The cut-off values suggested are based on recommendations in Sweden. Find out which recommendations apply in your country.
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Lame cows
An arched back, short or stiff steps and/or taking the weight off one or more legs are all signs of lameness. Score 2–5 on the Sprecher scale.
Less than 3%
7% or more
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Cows with sole haemorrhage (last 12 months)
Reduce prevalence by at least 20% annually on the basis of the current percentage in the herd to finally reach the target level.
5% or less
10% or more
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Cows with sole ulcer (last 12 months)
Reduce prevalence by at least 20% annually on the basis of the current percentage in the herd to finally reach the target level.
2.5% or less
5% or more
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Cows with white line ulcer/abscess (last 12 months)
Reduce prevalence by at least 20% annually on the basis of the current percentage in the herd to finally reach the target level.
1% or less
2% or more
For best results
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Set goals and relevant actions to achieve them.
- Set short and long-term goals.
- In the action plan, specify who is to do what, and when.
- Carry out regular follow-ups of the action plan.
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Follow-ups can be carried out by means of:
- Hoof health statistics at herd level (at least twice a year).
- Carry out mobility scoring (see Evaluation) of the cows every month in order to evaluate the outcome of the action plan. Assess all cows when they leave milking, for example, or assess a random sample by selecting every second or third cow.
Tips!
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Sometimes the flooring is what makes the cow move with hesitant steps. Find out whether the cows are walking carefully because the passageways are slippery. (See building block Floor Comfort).