Relationships between type of hoof lesion and behavioral signs of lameness in Holstein cows housed in Canadian tiestall facilities

Although foot pain can affect gait, the presence of a hoof lesion may or not cause cow to show visible changes in their gait. This be dependent on type and severity lesion; for example, sole ulcer (SU) has been associated with increased gait scores, whereas digital dermatitis (DD) hemorrhage (SH) have not. In tiestall facilities, scoring difficult perform. An alternative method, known as stall lameness (SLS), allows observers assess cattle while they remain stall. Lameness is determined based behavioral weight bearing positioning, which include: shifting weight, resting foot, standing edge stall, uneven when stepping side side. The aim this study was examine relationships between lesions these indicators. A total 557 observations SLS corresponding trimming records, collected during routine events 7 herds, were obtained. Trimming performed by 2 trained trimmers good agreement identification, quizzes taken at beginning mid-way through study. To ensure had no effect indicators observed, always observer before trimming. Behavioral focused hind limbs only; therefore, analysis confined limb using logistic regression detect made SLS. Seventy-five percent observed cows indicators, whereas, 11, 12, 1% 1, 2, 3 respectively. At least one noted 19% cows, most common being DD (7%), SU (6%), SH (4%). that unevenly moving higher odds having than displaying behaviors. When looking specific lesions, compared those from another SH, DD. positioning help identify tiestalls lesions. Producers could routinely observe assist identification require treatment. reduce duration clinical earlier intervention.