Associations between body condition score, locomotion score, and sensor-based time budgets of dairy cattle during the dry period and early lactation

Lameness, one of the most important disorders in dairy industry, is related to postpartum diseases and has an effect on cow welfare, leading changes cows' daily behavioral variables. This study quantified lameness time budget cows transition period. In total, 784 multiparous from 8 commercial Dutch farms were visually scored their locomotion (score 1–5) body condition 1–5). Each was early late dry period as well wk 4 postpartum. Cows with scores 1 2 grouped together nonlame, score 3 considered moderately lame, 5 severely lame. equipped types sensors that measured parameters. The leg sensor provided number steps, stand-ups (moving lying standing), time, bouts, bout length. neck eating length, rumination Sensor data for each parameter averaged between d before after scoring. percentage nonlame decreased 63% 46% at lactation; this decrease more severe higher parity. calved autumn had highest odds lameness. Body loss >0.75 point lactation associated Moderately lame a reduction around 20 min, whereas almost 40 min. Similarly, showed 200 steps/d, 600 steps/d. Daily increased by 26 min length compared cows. These results indicate high prevalence farms, increase into lactation. Time budgets differed lactating period, (increased lameness) having complete profile. poor postpartum, resulted less lactation, creating harmful cycle.