Lameness can be a tricky issue to make progress on because it
often requires multiple solutions, says Dan Weary, animal
welfare expert at the University of British Columbia in
Vancouver. His group's research has shown that simple changes in
stall design and management can make for big changes in cow
comfort, and more comfortable stalls reduce the risk of
lameness. For example, cows will spend up to 4 hours a day more
time lying down when provided dry, well-bedded stalls, compared
to stalls that are wet or poorly bedded. “We can show a
consistent, repeatable pattern — cows spend more time lying in
dry, well-bedded stalls,” Weary says. In addition to looking at
when and where cows lie down, Weary also emphasizes the
importance of providing cows a dry, comfortable place to stand.
In particular, he urges producers to avoid stalls with
aggressive neck rail placements. The neck rail forces cows to
“perch” in the stall, leaving the back hooves in the alley and
increasing the risk of lameness.