Testing the Efficacy of a Novel Lameness Detection System in Commercial Dairy Herds

Lameness is the third most costly problem to the US dairy industry with annual losses of at least $500 million, affecting over 15% of US dairy cattle. In addition, lameness is a critical animal well-being issue. The inability to routinely and objectively diagnose lameness, results in ineffective interventions and has become a compelling reason for developing a novel device that automatically detects clinical and subclinical lameness, in real-time. The so-called Lameness Detection System (LDS) measures vertical forces of individual limbs as animals walk freely across it. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the Lameness Detection System (LDS) accurately detects lameness on commercial dairy farms. Two year trials on five farms will maximize sensitivity and specificity of lameness models between and within farms. Data will be generated to validate LDS predictions and adopt procedures for between farm portability. LDS data and production costs will be modeled to assign real-time costs of lameness associated with changes in milk yield, reproductive function, and involuntary culling. Real-time, early, automated diagnosis and cost assignment should enable earlier intervention, reduce production costs, and enhance animal welfare in the dairy industry.